Preview the key matches to keep an eye on across the JD Cymru Leagues this weekend.
JD Cymru Premier – Aberystwyth Town v Briton Ferry Llansawel (Saturday, 12:45pm)
The JD Cymru Premier’s bottom two Aberystwyth Town and Briton Ferry Llansawel meet in a crunch clash at Park Avenue on Saturday to conclude Phase One.
Aber are currently bottom of the table and five points adrift of safety following a 1-0 defeat away at Haverfordwest County on New Year’s Day. However, the Seasiders are unbeaten in their last four home matches in all competitions, taking points off Bala Town and Caernarfon Town at Park Avenue in recent weeks.
Ferry are hoping to bounce back from a 5-1 defeat to Haverfordwest last weekend, which left them one point adrift of safety. The Reds had picked up an impressive four points over the Christmas period, with a 3-1 win over Cardiff Met and a goalless draw against Barry Town United.
Ferry produced one of their best performances of the season in November’s reverse fixture as goals from Luke Bowen and Tom Walters and a late Caleb Demery brace secured an emphatic 4-0 home win.
JD Cymru Premier – Bala Town v Caernarfon Town (Saturday, 12:45pm)
After three postponements, Bala Town and Caernarfon Town are set to meet on Saturday lunchtime in a key battle in the race for the Championship Conference.
Connah’s Quay Nomads’ defeat to Penybont last weekend means that victory for Bala on Saturday would confirm their place – and Cardiff Met’s – in the top six with a game to spare. The Lakesiders are unbeaten in their last nine league games, although seven of those were draws.
Meanwhile, a win for Caernarfon would see them leapfrog Barry Town United and Bala into fifth in the table, and pole position to confirm a top half spot on Tuesday night. However, the Cofis did lose back-to-back games against Aberystwyth Town and The New Saints over Christmas.
Nothing could separate the two teams back in August as they played out a goalless stalemate at The Oval – the fifth consecutive draw between the sides.
JD Cymru North – Llay Miners Welfare v Gresford Athletic (Saturday, 2pm)
A Wrexham derby headlines the JD Cymru North action on Saturday afternoon as in-form Gresford Athletic make the short trip to Llay Miners Welfare.
Gresford are enjoying their best form in almost three years, with consecutive wins over Prestatyn Town, Caersws and Ruthin Town lifting them out of the relegation zone and four points clear of danger.
Llay are in desperate need of a similar run to boost their own survival hopes, with Jordan Scott’s side currently sitting 15th in the table and 12 points adrift of safety. Jonathan Collo’s stoppage-time penalty earned Welfare a 1-1 draw against Bangor 1876 last weekend, but they are in search of a first win since the end of November.
There was late drama in the reverse fixture on the opening day of the season when Charley Edge’s stunning free-kick in the 98th minute salvaged a point for Gresford in a 1-1 draw.
JD Cymru South – Trethomas Bluebirds v Goytre United (Friday, 7:45pm)
Goytre United begin life under new manager Stephen Kelleher away to JD Cymru South leaders Trethomas Bluebirds on Friday night.
Kelleher, 25, goes in as the division’s youngest boss to replace Laurie Marsh who departed in November. Kelleher led Ely Rangers to promotion from tier five last season, but is tasked with a major turnaround at Goytre who are winless in their last 10 league matches. It is a run that has seen them slip into the relegation zone, two points adrift of safety.
Tests will not come much tougher for Kelleher than the high-flying Bluebirds, who returned to the table’s summit with a 2-1 win over Newport City last Saturday. Mark Dunford’s side currently sit two points clear of second-place Llanelli Town, who visit Afan Lido on Friday night.
Gareth Tedstone scored and assisted for the Bluebirds in a 2-1 victory over Goytre in the reverse fixture at Glenhafod Park Stadium in October.
