While cup action headlines this weekend’s fixture schedule, there are still plenty of key points to play for in the league and the first title of the season could be won. Here are the key games to watch.
JD Cymru Leagues | Games to Watch – March 14-15
JD Cymru Premier – Penybont v Cardiff Met (Friday, 7:45pm)
The New Saints can secure the JD Cymru Premier title on Friday night without even playing, as the trophy will be heading to Park Hall if Penybont drop points against Cardiff Met.
With TNS currently 15 points clear at the top of the table, it may be a case of when and not if they win the title, but Bont are still in need of victory as they aim to secure second place which could prove to earn automatic European qualification.
Rhys Griffiths’ side are six points clear of third-place Haverfordwest County, after ending their four-match winless streak with a 3-2 stoppage time home victory against Bala Town last weekend as James Crole netted the decisive goal in the 95th minute.
However, Bont are yet to beat Cardiff Met in four meetings this season. The two sides drew twice in Phase One, either side of the Archers’ 1-0 win in the JD Welsh Cup second round, before Jack Veale struck a 95th-minute winner as Ryan Jenkins’ claimed a 2-1 comeback victory on the opening weekend of Phase Two.
Cardiff Met climbed up to fourth in the table with a 4-2 home win over Caernarfon Town last weekend, but are winless in their last seven league away matches since September – losing six of those.
JD Cymru Premier – Bala Town v Haverfordwest County (Saturday, 2:30pm)
Dropped points for Penybont would give Haverfordwest County the chance to close the gap on second place when they travel to Bala Town on Saturday afternoon.
The Bluebirds saw their eight-match unbeaten streak in the JD Cymru Premier come to an end with a 5-1 defeat away at TNS last weekend.
Bala are still searching for their first points of Phase Two, having lost all five games since the split – conceding at least twice in each defeat. The Lakesiders almost earned a draw away at Penybont last weekend before conceding in stoppage time.
Dan Hawkins bagged a brace as Haverfordwest earned a 3-2 win over Bala on the opening weekend of Phase Two, after the Bluebirds had triumphed 2-0 at Maes Tegid in Phase One before a goalless draw in Carmarthen.
JD Cymru North – Buckley Town v Mold Alexandra (Saturday, 2pm)
A Flintshire derby awaits in the JD Cymru North on Saturday, as Buckley Town and Mold Alexandra aim for strong finishes to promising campaigns.
The Bucks have spent the majority of the season in and around the top five but have struggled of late – a 2-0 win away at Bangor 1876 last weekend was their first victory in four matches. Asa Hamilton’s side currently sit fifth in the table, but would leapfrog Llandudno into fourth with at least a draw this weekend.
A much-changed Mold Alexandra side have also been in the top half for most of the campaign but three consecutive losses to Flint Mountain, Gresford Athletic and Holywell Town have seen them slip to ninth place.
The two sides are yet to play each other this season – and will meet again on the final day of the campaign – but Buckley have won three of the last four encounters in all competitions.
JD Cymru North – Caersws v Denbigh Town (Saturday, 2pm)
Caersws slipped into the JD Cymru North relegation zone last weekend following a 3-1 defeat to Colwyn Bay – their fifth loss in a row – combined with Ruthin Town’s victory over Llay Miners Welfare.
The Bluebirds confirmed this week that Luke Williams had left his position as manager, having not been in the dugout for their last two matches. Now the Powys side have six games to save their season.
Caersws are currently one point adrift of safety with two games in hand over Ruthin, one of which comes on Saturday as they host Denbigh Town.
The Reds are searching for their third straight league victory, with recent back-to-back wins over Buckley Town and Prestatyn Town taking them into the top half of the table. Dewi Llion’s side are also unbeaten in their last four matches away from home.
Goals either side of half-time from Sam Duffy and Paul Fleming earned Denbigh a 2-0 victory over Caersws in August’s reverse fixture at Central Park.
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