WELSH LEAGUE

DIVISION THREE

THE fear now is that poor away form could once more jeopardise another Caerau promotion push, writes Tony Poole.

Back-to- back defeats in Gwent either side of Christmas to Tredegar Town and Panteg, saw the Riverboaters sink to third place in the table.

They righted a rocking boat in defeating Ely Rangers at home, 4-2, only to slip to a narrow defeat – and a third successive one

on the road – last Saturday at Treharris Athletic Western.

This means a lot now rests on the visit of promotion rivals and current league leaders STM Sports on Saturday.

The sides have yet to meet this season and for the Riverboaters to re- main genuine promotion candidates, they must surely card a win over the men from the capital.

However, that might be easier said than done, as STM Sports have only been toppled twice in 15 league starts this season.

And bubbling under third-placed Caerau in the table are the likes of Bridgend Street and Llantwit Major.

The Windmillers in particular have a packet of games in hand, and man management of these might prove a key element in another interesting battle for the two promotion spots.

Caerau headed to Treharris in search of a double, having taken the reverse fixture back in September, 4-0, through goals from top scorer Chay Davies (two), Tom Walters and Joel Joseph.

But there was to be no repeat of that form, and incredibly the issue was settled as early as the fifth minute. Joshua Evans got the goal that turned out to be the match winner, but the Riverboaters were unhappy in having two goals ruled out.

Both Chay Davies and Shaun James seemed to net fair and square only for the referee to take an opposite view.

So, Caerau will have to place this disappointment behind them on Saturday, as their season now hinges on beating STM Sports.