Ready for the next step

Pencoed and Porthcawl apply to go up

PENCOED Athletic and Porthcawl Town have both applied for promotion to Tier Four of next season’s FAW Modernisation Programme, writes Tony Poole.

The Seasiders currently top Highadmit South Wales Alliance Premier Division from Pencoed while three other topflight clubs are also seeking elevation – Baglan Dragons, Canton Liberal Club and Cardiff Draconians.

From the Gwent County League two former Welsh League clubs in Abertillery Excelsiors and Blaenavon Blues are in the mix along with the North Wales pairing of Glantraeth and Nefyn United.

As from next season, Tier Four will contain four divisions of 16 clubs managed by Area Associations.

In South & Mid Wales there’s the Welsh League and Mid Wales League while the North has the Welsh Alliance and Welsh National League.

However, above this level the game is managed at Regional level with the FAW looking after a further four divisions of 16 clubs.

Tier Two remains the same with J D Cymru North and South divisions each containing 16 clubs.

And at the top of the pyramid is the jewel in the crown that’s the J D Cymru Premiership with the 12 clubs making it 108 under FAW control.

Clubs from across Wales were given the chance to apply for promotion, but it won’t be just down to final league positions.

Clubs like Pencoed and Porthcawl will also have to meet ground criteria and obtain a licence to gain Tier Four membership.

But the number of available places in Tier Four for next season is unclear at the moment, as it’s possible that applications from some clubs already at this level might be rejected.

Pencoed are looking to move out of their headquarters in Felindre Road and switch focus to a new home at Woodlands Park in Hendre.

But while they still have a lot of work to perform on the new ground in order to be given the green light, the Seasiders are in much better shape.

Their Lock’s Lane ground previously met the old Welsh League criteria and they possess modern changing rooms and a superb clubhouse.

However, the league clash between the pair a week on Saturday week has already been called off, as there’s a problem at Felindre Road surrounding the changing rooms.

But when the sides previously met at Lock’s Lane back in August, Pencoed were emphatic 4-0 winners.