The first weekend of 2025 is here, with plenty of crucial matches to keep an eye on across the JD Cymru Leagues.
JD Cymru Premier – Bala Town v Caernarfon Town (Friday, 7:45pm)
Three days after the originally scheduled clash between Bala Town and Caernarfon Town was abandoned at half-time, the two sides will do battle again at Maes Tegid.
It was goalless at the break on New Year’s Eve when referee Nick Pratt decided to halt the game, with the adverse weather causing concern for player safety.
The clash remains of huge importance in the race for the top half, with the two sides separated by just a point with only one matchday in Phase One remaining after this weekend. Bala sit fifth in the table, level on points with sixth-place Barry Town United who leapfrogged Caernarfon following their goalless draw with Briton Ferry Llansawel.
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 Premier – Penybont v Connah’s Quay Nomads (Saturday, 2:30pm)
For the first time since August, Penybont find themselves starting a weekend not at the top of the JD Cymru Premier table.
Bont’s 2-2 draw with Cardiff Met on New Year’s Eve, combined with TNS’ 2-1 win over Connah’s Quay Nomads, saw the Saints reach the summit of the standings for the first time this season – with Rhys Griffiths’ side one point behind.
Bont now begin the role of chasers as they host the Nomads on Saturday afternoon, with the game also critical for Billy Paynter’s side who are still in the hunt for a place in the top half. The Nomads are currently eighth, three points behind sixth-place Barry with a game in hand, while they host fifth-place Bala Town on the final day of Phase One.
Gabe Kircough’s goal earned Bont a 1-0 win in the reverse fixture at the Essity Stadium in September, which was only their second ever victory over the Nomads.
JD Cymru Premier – Haverfordwest County v Briton Ferry Llansawel (Saturday, 2:30pm)
After marking their return to the Ogi Bridge Meadow with victory against Aberystwyth Town on New Year’s Day, Haverfordwest County will look to make it two wins from two matches back home against Briton Ferry Llansawel on Saturday.
The biggest JD Cymru Leagues crowd of the season of 1,486 attended the Bluebirds’ homecoming as Dan Hawkins grabbed the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Aber – a result which secured Haverfordwest’s place in the Championship Conference for the first time.
Briton Ferry picked up four points over the festive period with a 3-1 win away at Cardiff Met and a goalless draw at home against Barry Town United, but the Reds slipped into the relegation zone after Flint Town United defeated Newtown on New Year’s Day. However, Ferry are only a point adrift of the Robins who are now fully embroiled in the fight for survival.
Haverfordwest edged past Ferry 2-1 in October’s reverse fixture thanks to goals from Owain Jones and Lee Jenkins.
JD Cymru North – Caersws v Colwyn Bay (Saturday, 2pm)
Colwyn Bay will be aiming for a 15th consecutive win in the JD Cymru North when they travel to Caersws on Saturday afternoon.
The second-place Seagulls have not dropped points in the league since mid-August, while a 5-0 win over Mold Alexandra on New Year’s Day saw them move just four points behind league leaders Airbus UK Broughton. With the Wingmakers not in action this weekend, another victory for Bay would really put the pressure on their title rivals.
This will be the Seagulls’ first ever meeting with Caersws, who head into the game on contrasting form to their high-flying opponents.
The Bluebirds’ 1-0 home loss to Gresford Athletic on New Year’s Day was their fourth consecutive league defeat and leaves them just three points above the relegation zone – although they have three games in hand over 14th-place Ruthin Town.
JD Cymru South – Caerau Ely v Cwmbran Celtic (Friday, 7:30pm)
The JD Cymru South’s bottom side Cwmbran Celtic will hope to end a run of six consecutive league defeats when they travel to Caerau Ely on Friday night.
Celtic have not picked up a point since their dramatic 3-2 win over the Young Guns at the start of October. It was a chaotic encounter as both sides had a player sent off, while Caerau seemingly earned a point with a 91st-minute equaliser only for Jack Prosser to score the winner for Celtic two minutes later.
However, there has been little joy for Simon Berry’s side since then and they ended 2024 with a 1-0 home defeat to 10-man Newport City. A New Year’s Day win for Penrhiwceiber Rangers leaves Celtic five points adrift of safety.
In contrast, eighth-place Caerau Ely have won their last five home games in all competitions – including a memorable 1-0 victory over Bala Town in the JD Welsh Cup. Dean Wheeler’s side were also beaten by Newport City over the festive period, but bounced back with an emphatic 4-0 win over Penrhiwceiber Rangers on Boxing Day.
