A packed festive schedule awaits in the JD Cymru Leagues, with 21 matches across the 26 and 27 December. Here are the key matches to watch.
JD Cymru Premier – Pontypridd United v Aberystwyth Town (Boxing Day, 2:30pm)
The JD Cymru Premier’s bottom two face off on Boxing Day as Pontypridd United host Aberystwyth Town at USW Sports Park.
The Dragons slipped to foot of the table following a six point deduction for breaching FAW rules and they are now seven points adrift of safety, while the Seasiders sit in 11th place and four points above their opponents.
Even without taking their points deduction into consideration, Pontypridd have struggled of late – picking up just one point from their last eight league matches. They were also knocked out of the Nathaniel MG Cup by Cardiff Met in their most recent outing.
Following a mini-revival which included back-to-back wins over Penybont and Barry Town United, Aberystwyth have now lost their last four league games in succession.
These two sides have faced each other twice already this season, with Pontypridd coming out as 1-0 victors in both the reverse league fixture and the Nathaniel MG Cup third round.
JD Cymru Premier – Newtown v Connah’s Quay Nomads (Boxing Day, 2:30pm)
It is third versus second in the JD Cymru Premier on Boxing Day as Newtown host Connah’s Quay Nomads at Latham Park.
Following a run of three wins and one draw in their last four league matches, the Robins need just one point to confirm their place in the top six. JD Cymru Premier top goalscorer Aaron Williams ignited a special second half performance from Newtown as they came from behind to beat Colwyn Bay 4-2 in their most recent fixture.
Connah’s Quay Nomads have already secured their spot in the Championship Conference and they continue to chase down leaders The New Saints who they trail by nine points.
Neil Gibson’s side have won their last three league matches in a row and netted 13 goals in the process, with their most recent free-scoring display coming in a 3-1 victory against Pontypridd United at the Essity Stadium.
In the reverse league fixture back in August, goals from Harry Franklin, Ben Nash and Jordan Davies sealed a 3-1 victory for The Nomads.
JD Cymru North – Buckley Town v Holywell Town (Boxing Day, 2:30pm)
There is a Flintshire Derby to look forward to on Boxing Day in the JD Cymru North as Buckley Town face Holywell Town at Deeside Stadium with the two sides at opposite ends of the table but both desperate for victory.
The Bucks are currently in the relegation zone and one point adrift of safety after earning just one point from their last five matches. They led 2-1 against Llandudno in their last outing but suffered a late collapse to lose 3-2.
On the same night, Holywell earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Ruthin Town – returning to winning ways after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign to league leaders Airbus UK Broughton. Johnny Haseldin’s side now sit six points off top spot with three games in hand over the Wingmakers.
The Wellmen overcame Buckley 2-1 and 2-0 in last season’s two league meetings between the two sides and have not lost to their neighbours since July 2021.
JD Cymru South – Abertillery Bluebirds v Abergavenny Town (Boxing Day, 1pm)
The bottom two sides in the JD Cymru South go head-to-head on Boxing Day as Abertillery Bluebirds host Abergavenny Town at Cwm Nant Y Groes, with both teams hopeful that a win could kickstart their struggling campaigns.
The Pennies have picked up just three points from their first 15 matches of the season, placing them bottom of the table and 12 points adrift of safety. The Bluebirds, who have played two games fewer, are only two points better off in 15th place.
Josh Anderson recently replaced Ben Murphy as the Bluebirds’ manager and suffered a 6-1 defeat to Caerau Ely in his first game – the club’s fifth successive league defeat. Their only league win of the campaign so far came against fellow strugglers Llantwit Major in September.
Abergavenny have also won just once – against Cwmbran Celtic in September – and have lost their last nine league games since then.
These two clubs last met in the Ardal South East in the 2021/22 campaign when they each earned a 1-0 victory over each other.
