The JD Cymru Premier European Play-Offs begin this weekend, with two enticing Semi-Finals on the agenda at opposite ends of the country.
Colwyn Bay v Penybont (Saturday, 12:45pm)
Legendary JD Cymru Premier strikers Michael Wilde and Rhys Griffiths go head-to-head in the dugout once more as Colwyn Bay host Penybont in the first Semi-Final.
Bay have enjoyed an impressive season back in the top-flight and are now bidding to qualify for Europe for the first time in their history. The Seagulls were winless in their last three games of the regular league campaign but secured a fifth-place finish following a 1-1 draw against runners-up Connah’s Quay Nomads on the final day.
Penybont are hoping to reach Europe for the third time in four seasons, but head into the Play-Offs in dire form. They have not won since an away trip to Llanelli Town on New Year’s Day, picking up just three points and scoring only three goals in the entirety of Phase Two. Following a 2-0 defeat against Caernarfon Town on the final day, Griffiths says his side “are by far the outsiders in the Play-Offs”.
Colwyn Bay v Penybont
Bont have never qualified for Europe through the Play-Offs, losing one semi-final and one final, while this is Colwyn Bay’s first ever appearance. The Seagulls are expected to be backed by another bumper crowd at the Blue Turtle Arena, with the club having attracted four-figure attendances on six occasions already this season.
Penybont triumphed 1-0 at home in the first meeting between the two sides this season, but Colwyn Bay won both matches at the Blue Turtle Arena (5-4 and 3-2) before a goalless draw in the most recent encounter back in Bridgend last month.
Barry Town United v Haverfordwest County (Sunday, 5pm)
The second Semi-Final sees a Sunday evening clash between Barry Town United and Play-Off specialists Haverfordwest County at Jenner Park.
Barry head into the Play-Offs full of confidence after achieving their highest finish (third) and points tally (46) for seven years. The Linnets won five of their 10 matches in Phase Two, but are looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 loss to champions The New Saints on the final day.
Victory for Andy Legg’s side on Sunday will ensure that they also host next weekend’s final as they aim to qualify for Europe for the first time since 2020. However, they have never done so through the Play-Offs, losing all three of their previous ties in this format.
Barry Town United v Haverfordwest County
Haverfordwest are no strangers to the European Play-Offs, qualifying for continental competition through this route in two of the last three seasons – including a 3-1 win over Caernarfon in last year’s final.
The Bluebirds secured top spot in the Play-Off Conference last weekend as Dan Hawkins’ hat-trick inspired a dominant 6-0 win over Llanelli Town. Tony Pennock’s side won eight of their 10 matches in Phase Two, keeping clean sheets in all those victories.
Barry have won all three meetings between the two sides this season, with 3-2 and 4-0 league victories either side of a 2-0 triumph in the Nathaniel MG Cup. Ieuan Owen, this week nominated for the JD Cymru Premier Young Player of the Season award, scored in all three of those games.
