Every point is crucial in the JD Cymru Leagues as the end of March approaches. Here are this weekend’s key games to watch.
JD Cymru Premier – Barry Town United v Newtown (Friday, 7:45pm)
Aberystwyth Town’s 33-year tenure in the JD Cymru Premier was brought to an end last weekend, and Newtown’s ever-present status could also be at risk with the Robins currently three points adrift of safety with just three games remaining.
Callum McKenzie’s side travel to Barry Town United on Friday night, hoping to bounce back from a 3-2 home defeat against Connah’s Quay Nomads last weekend. It is now just one win in 17 games for the Powys outfit.
Barry Town United v Newtown
Seventh-place Barry were beaten 3-2 away at Flint Town United last weekend, meaning that the Linnets are now only two points ahead of Connah’s Quay Nomads in the race for the final play-off spot – the two sides still have to play each other next month.
Both sides won one encounter each against the other in Phase One, before playing out a 1-1 draw at Latham Park in Phase Two’s reverse fixture last month. Newtown frontman Aaron Williams has scored in all three games against Barry this season.
JD Cymru North – Airbus UK Broughton v Ruthin Town (Friday, 7:45pm)
Key points are up for grabs at both ends of the JD Cymru North table as title-challenging Airbus UK Broughton host relegation-threatened Ruthin Town on Friday night.
The Wingmakers return to home turf after three consecutive away wins against Penrhyncoch, Llay Miners Welfare and Flint Mountain. Mark Allen’s side are currently four points behind league leaders Colwyn Bay – who host Denbigh Town on Friday – but do have a game in hand over the Seagulls.
Ruthin have just one of their last seven league games and are currently in the relegation zone, three points adrift of safety with three games remaining. Dave Evans’ side have won just once on the road in the JD Cymru North this season – away at Penrhyncoch in October.
Airbus snatched all three points against Ruthin back in November as George Peers’ second half free-kick secured a narrow 1-0 victory.
JD Cymru South – Llanelli Town v Afan Lido (Friday, 7:30pm)
Llanelli Town could be crowned champions of the JD Cymru South if results go their way on Friday night.
The Reds, who opened up a four-point lead at the top of the table with 2-1 win away at Pontypridd United last weekend, will secure the title if they win against Afan Lido at Stebonheath and second-place Trethomas Bluebirds lose at home against Cambrian United.
However, points could prove crucial to Lido too. They will secure safety from relegation if they win and Goytre United and Penrhiwceiber Rangers both lose. Garry Taylor’s side have enjoyed an impressive March so far, taking eight points from four games, with back-to-back wins against Ammanford and Pontypridd crucial in lifting them away from danger.
Llanelli triumphed 1-0 over Lido in January’s reverse fixture, when Danny Williams’ early second half goal proved enough to secure all three points.
