FOOTBALL

PORTHCAWL Town will be looking to place poor pre-Christmas form behind them in Highadmit South Wales Alliance Division One on Saturday when they welcome Penrhiwceiber Con Athletic to Lock’s Lane, writes Tony Poole.

For much of the season the Seasiders have been riding on the crest of a wave, heading the table for the bulk of the time.

But three defeats in four games in the approach to the festive season proved major setbacks in their bid to gain promotion.

Last Saturday their fixture at Cadoxton Barry was called off, owing to the state of the pitch, resulting in the clash with Ceiber this weekend being viewed as key in a possible recovery.

The Seasiders will be bidding for a double having downed the Cynon Valley side, 3-2, in the reverse fixture back in November.

On that occasion two goals from Mattie Ellis along with a strike from top scorer Jorge Crofts, who has netted 24 times this season, earned Porthcawl all three points.

Garw will also be hoping to resume postChristmas activity, and in their case they take on lowly Treforest at iconic Blandy.

The Blandy boys were due to tackle leaders Cefn Cribwr last Saturday, but the match was called off owing to the wet state of the ground at Cae Gof Playing Fields.

The downside in form that Treforest have shown in recent times has been surprising, and unless they buck up their ideas then Division Two beckons.

But during the clash at White Tips back in November, Treforest proved durable opponents, and only went down to a 2-1 defeat against the backfiring Blandy boys on the day.

Ultimately, goals from William Jones and Rhys Thomas earned Garw the narrow win.

And in Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division Two, Llantwit Major are another club bidding for a double - in their case away to Croesyceiliog.

At Windmill Lane back in September, Croesy lost 2-1 with Kristian Smith and Craig Reddy getting the goals that mattered.

Ironically, ex-Bont star Reddy has since linked with Merthyr Town, but is currently serving a fourmatch ban.