As we close in on the conclusion of the season, every point matters as clubs target European qualification, fight for league titles and battle against relegation. Here are this weekend’s key games to watch.
JD Cymru Premier – Bala Town vs Newtown (Friday, 7:45pm)
Friday night could be one of celebration for Bala Town as they will secure European qualification if they triumph over Newtown at Maes Tegid.
With the JD Welsh Cup final being between the JD Cymru Premier’s top two The New Saints and Connah’s Quay Nomads, third place in the league will be enough to book a spot in the UEFA Conference League first qualifying round.
A run of three wins from their last four matches has seen the third-place Lakesiders open up an eight-point gap on nearest challengers Caernarfon Town, who have played one game more.
It has been a tricky phase two for Newtown, who have won just one of their seven games since the split but they did hold Connah’s Quay Nomads to a goalless draw at the Essity Stadium last weekend. The Robins will hope another successful play-off campaign is in store for them to qualify for Europe again.
George Newell’s hat-trick inspired Bala to a 5-1 win over Newtown at the end of February, after both sides triumphed on home turf against the other in phase one.
JD Cymru North – Prestatyn Town v Flint Town United (Saturday, 2:30pm)
The meeting between Prestatyn Town and Flint Town United at Bastion Gardens could have key implications at both ends of the JD Cymru North table.
The Seasiders need just a point to secure survival from relegation, but that would come with the caveat that they are awaiting a hearing after being charged for allegedly fielding an ineligible player.
Matty Roberts’ side are winless in their last six matches and have lost their last four in succession, including back-to-back 4-0 defeats to Holywell Town and Ruthin Town.
In contrast, Flint have won five consecutive games as they continue their quest for the JD Cymru North title – most recently triumphing 6-3 over Mold Alexandra on Easter Monday.
The Silkmen currently sit third in the table, five points behind top two Airbus UK Broughton and Holywell Town, so must hope for a slip from the Wellmen if the title is to head to the Essity Stadium.
Flint’s star forward Elliott Reeves netted an 88th-minute winner to earn 2-1 victory for Flint in the reverse fixture in August.
JD Cymru South – Taffs Well v Afan Lido (Saturday, 2:30pm)
Taffs Well have two home games to save their season as they battle against relegation from the JD Cymru South.
The Wellmen are currently one point and one place above the relegation zone, but the side directly below them are Pontardawe Town have two games in hand.
A run of four consecutive victories across October and November had Taffs as high as sixth place, but they have won just two of their 14 league games since then – losing nine – to tumble down the table.
They host Ammanford on the final day of the campaign, but this weekend welcome Afan Lido to Rhiw Dda’r.
Lido’s season has also stuttered since the autumn, as they appeared to be title contenders after winning eight of their opening 11 matches but they have won just five of the subsequent 17.
Nonetheless, Paul Evans’ side can still finish as high as fourth place if they win their last two games and other results go their way.
Harry Treharne and Vaughn Fowler were on target as Taffs Well came from two goals down to snatch a 2-2 draw against Lido in the reverse fixture in December.
