The JD Cymru Premier returns with a full fixture schedule this weekend, while there are more crucial clashes in the promotion race in the second tier. Here are the key encounters to keep an eye on.
JD Cymru Premier – The New Saints v Penybont (Saturday, 12:30pm)
League leaders The New Saints will aim to continue their recent winning run when they host third-place Penybont at Park Hall on Saturday, live on Sgorio.
TNS opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table with a narrow 1-0 win over Barry Town United a fortnight ago – their third consecutive victory. Craig Harrison’s side have also won their last five home matches in all competitions since a stoppage time defeat to Cardiff Met at the start of November.
The New Saints v Penybont
Penybont sit third in the table, but are nine points adrift of second-place Connah’s Quay Nomads and an automatic spot in Europe next season. Rhys Griffiths’ side have won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, while four of their last five league games have finished as draws – including a goalless stalemate against Caernarfon Town last time out.
TNS triumphed in both Phase One meetings against Bont, earning a 2-0 away win in August before Jordan Williams’ hat-trick inspired a ruthless 6-2 victory at Park Hall in October. Rhys Griffiths’ men have never won on a visit to Oswestry.
Predict the outcome of The New Saints v Penybont in our JD Cymru Leagues Match Predictor.
JD Cymru North – Llandudno v Brickfield Rangers (Friday, 8pm)
Llandudno will have the chance to return to the top of the JD Cymru North when they host Brickfield Rangers at the Go Goodwins Stadium on Friday night.
Llandudno returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory away at Holyhead Hotspur last Saturday, and with current league leaders Airbus UK Broughton in Welsh Blood Service League Cup action this weekend, victory for the Seasiders would see them go two points clear at the summit with a game in hand.
Brickfield currently sit 12th in the table and are winless in their last three league matches, but Gary Wilson’s side are five points clear of the relegation zone with at least two games in hand on the four teams below them. Rangers suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Penrhyncoch in their last outing two weeks ago.
Brickfield are one of only three teams to take points off Llandudno in the JD Cymru North this season, as the two sides played out a goalless draw in August’s reverse fixture.
JD Cymru South – Caerau Ely v Ammanford (Saturday, 5:30pm)
A key clash awaits in the race for promotion in the JD Cymru South as fourth-place Caerau Ely host third-place Ammanford at Cyncoed Stadium on Saturday evening.
Caerau Ely are currently three points behind Ammanford, but victory on Saturday would see the Young Guns leapfrog their opponents on goal difference. Dan Griffiths’ hat-trick inspired a 5-1 win over Trethomas Bluebirds in Caerau’s last league outing, but they will be hoping to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat away to third tier Bangor 1876 in the JD Welsh Cup quarter-finals last Saturday.
Ammanford’s four-match winning streak in the JD Cymru South came to an end with a 4-0 defeat at home against fellow promotion hopefuls Trefelin two weeks ago. However, no team has conceded fewer goals on the road in the division this season than Wyn Thomas’ side (four).
Dan John scored twice and also provided an assist for Morgan Clarke as Ammanford earned an entertaining 3-2 victory over Caerau Ely in September’s reverse fixture.
Predict the outcome of Caerau Ely v Ammanford in our JD Cymru Leagues Match Predictor.
