The JD Cymru Premier kicks off this weekend with plenty of enticing matchups, while the action continues in the second tier after a thrilling start to the campaign. Here are the key games to watch.
JD Cymru Premier – Newtown v Aberystwyth Town (Friday, 7:45pm)
The JD Cymru Premier kicks off on Friday night with a meeting between the league’s two ever-present teams Newtown and Aberystwyth Town.
The two sides are beginning their 33rd consecutive campaign in the top-flight since its formation in 1992 and this will be their 79th league meeting.
Newtown were beaten by Penybont in last season’s European play-off semi-final after a fourth-place finish, while Aberystwyth once again left it until the final day to secure survival against relegation.
The two sides had contrasting fortunes in the Nathaniel MG Cup second round last weekend, with the Robins losing on penalties to Caernarfon Town and the Seasiders triumphing 2-0 over Colwyn Bay.
The first meeting between the two clubs last season ended goalless, before Matty Jones’ stunning late strike secured a 1-0 win for Newtown at Park Avenue.
JD Cymru Premier – Briton Ferry Llansawel v Penybont (Sunday, 5:10pm)
Briton Ferry Llansawel begin life in the JD Cymru Premier on home turf against Penybont, live in front of the Sgorio cameras at Old Road on Sunday.
Ferry were promoted to the top-flight after claiming the JD Cymru South title in emphatic style last season, including seven straight victories to end their league campaign.
Luke Bowen and Tom Walters scored a combined 43 league goals last season, while Cymru C international Tom Price has been recruited from Cardiff Met.
After a seventh-place finish last season, Penybont were beaten by Caernarfon Town in the European play-off final so will be eager to return to continental competition next summer.
Clayton Green, who captained Cymru C earlier this year, has come in through the door from Pontypridd United, while there is plenty of excitement about the signing of forward – and Bridgend native – James Crole who was released by Cardiff City this summer.
Briton Ferry will be looking for revenge after Bont triumphed 3-0 at Old Road in the Nathaniel MG Cup only last weekend, with Keyon Reffell scoring twice in the victory.
JD Cymru North – Guilsfield v Airbus UK Broughton (Saturday, 2:30pm)
Airbus UK Broughton will be looking to continue their fine start to the season when they visit Guilsfield on Saturday afternoon.
The Wingmakers currently sit top of the JD Cymru North table following a 7-0 win over Denbigh Town on the opening weekend before a 5-0 triumph against Llandudno earlier this week.
Summer signing Danny Warren has hit the ground running with five goals in those two matches and could be the man to spearhead Mark Allen’s team to the title after their third-place finish last term.
Guilsfield did not play in midweek so they will hoping to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Caersws on the opening weekend, which preceded a penalty shootout defeat to Llandudno in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend.
The two sides met on the opening day and final day of last season and it was Airbus who come away victorious on both occasions, triumphing 3-0 and 2-1 respectively.
JD Cymru South – Ammanford v Trethomas Bluebirds (Saturday, 2:30pm)
It has been an impressive start to the season for Trethomas Bluebirds following their promotion from the Ardal South East last term.
Mark Dunford’s side currently sit top of the JD Cymru South table after a 1-0 victory over Llantwit Major on the opening day, followed by a 3-0 win over fellow newly-promoted side Penrhiwceiber Rangers in midweek. They have also reached the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup thanks to wins against Cwmbran Celtic and Baglan Dragons.
Striker Gareth Tedstone scored 25 goals in 28 games for the Bluebirds last season and he has already made his mark in the second tier after he grabbed the decisive goal against Major before scoring twice in midweek.
In contrast, Ammanford are still looking to get off the mark following defeats to Newport City and Llantwit Major in their opening two league matches.
A loss to Merthyr Town in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend also proved frustrating, so Gruff Harrison will be eager to turn his side’s fortunes around.
