With Welsh Blood Service League Cup action and no top-flight fixtures this weekend, there is a reduced JD Cymru Leagues schedule but still a few key games to keep an eye on.
JD Cymru North – Porthmadog v Llanidloes Town (Saturday, 2pm)
A crucial game at the bottom of the JD Cymru North awaits on Saturday as Porthmadog host Llanidloes Town at Y Traeth.
Port slipped into the relegation zone after a 2-1 home loss to Mold Alexandra last weekend – their sixth consecutive league defeat – while the Daffs have spent the majority of the campaign in the bottom three as they have won just once in 15 matches.
The hosts are still looking for lift off under new boss Steve Williams, but will hope that Danny Brookwell – who has three goals in his last three games – can continue his recent good form against the side with the worst defence in the division.
Port’s losing streak may present Llanidloes with the chance to earn their first league win since the end of September, which would offer them a glimmer of hope in their battle for survival as they currently sit 10 points adrift of safety.
Shaun Cavanagh, who has since joined Aberystwyth Town, stole the show by scoring all four goals in Porthmadog’s 4-2 win over Llanidloes in a Nathaniel MG Cup first round meeting back in July. Port also secured 3-2 and 3-0 wins against the Daffs in the JD Cymru North last season.
JD Cymru South – Pontardawe Town v Caerau Ely (Saturday, 2pm)
Pontardawe Town and Caerau Ely sit level on 21 points in 13th and 12th place respectively in the JD Cymru South ahead of their meeting at Parc Ynysderw on Saturday.
Defeats for both clubs in their last outings left them just three points above the relegation zone, but with 14th-place Llantwit Major not in action this weekend, this game presents an opportunity to move away from danger.
After losing their first five home league matches of the campaign, Pontardawe have won back-to-back games at Parc Ynysderw but they have still picked up the fewest points at home in the division.
It will therefore make for an interesting encounter as Caerau Ely have won just one of their seven away games this season, losing the other six. With four goals in his last four games, striker Brandon Griffiths could be their best chance of getting a rare victory on the road.
The two sides last met in the 2021/22 Ardal South West campaign, with Pontardawe securing 2-1 and 3-2 victories on their way to the league title and promotion.
