CUP GAMES GET THE GO-AHEAD
CARMARTHENSHIRE League officials have confirmed that all the cup competitions will go ahead as scheduled this season.
The Senior and Darch cups will be divided into groups, but the Challenge Cup will remain a straight knockout.
But a decision has yet to be made on whether any clubs will be promoted or relegated from any of the divisions in the LTC Mobility-sponsored league.
“It depends whether there is any relegation from the West Wales Premier League,” said Carmarthenshire League secretary Colin Jenkins.
“Our Premier division this season is two clubs short and division one is one short, so we can’t be sure of anything at the moment.”
In the West Wales Premier League, leaders Penlan Club – with eight wins and a draw from nine games – are well positioned to be declared the first ever champions.
Next up for Penlan is a home game against Seven Sisters Onllwyn, and though they are expected to pick up another three points they will be taking nothing for granted.
Penlan did not have it all their own way in the away clash in September, and had to work hard for a 3-2 win.
There is an all-Carmarthenshire League clash to start the year between Evans & Williams and bottom club CK Swiss Valley, who have yet to win a game in 11 attempts.
After strolling to a 5-1 victory in the away match, it would be something of a surprise if the hosts didn’t complete the double against their neighbours.
Dafen entertain Cwm Wanderers, while Pontarddulais Town travel to Mumbles Rangers.
In one of three games scheduled in the Premier division of the Carmarthenshire League on Saturday, runaway leaders Trostre AFC will start as favourites to make it 13 wins from 14 at Trallwm.
After winning their opening league game of the season 3-0 at Burry Port, it has been downhill since for Trallwm who now sit at the foot of the table.
Trostre triumphed in the home game 10-1.
Trostre start the new year nine points clear of Pontlliw and 14 ahead of Killay, who have a game in hand.
Second-placed Pontlliw should make ground advantage count against Burry Port, but the game between Loughor Rovers and Seaside is tough to call.
The match of the day in division one is between leaders Felinfoel and second-placed Pwll Athletic.
As it stands, Felinfoel are in a strong postion to go on and claim the title as they are eight points clear and have a game in hand.
Back in October at Pwll there was little to choose between the teams, with Foel eventually edging a 3-2 win.
The pick of the remaining games is the Gwendraeth Valley derby between Tumble United and visiting Drefach.
The division two title could go to one of six clubs with West End United, Pembrey, Caerbryn, Evans & Williams Reserves, CK Swiss Valley Reserves and Dafen Reserves all in the hunt.
Although West End top the table, the leaders have played more games than their rivals and are also without a fixture next weekend.
Three points from the away game against Carmarthen United would see Pembrey leapfrog West End, while Caerbryn would jump to second or possibly top with a win at Hendy.
With only three points separating the teams in reserve division one, it looks like a three-way fight for the title between leaders Loughor Rovers, Trostre AFC and Pontlliw.
Trostre visit Pengelli United Reserves in the next round of matches, but the big one is the game between Loughor Rovers and visiting Pontlliw Reserves.
With a couple of games in hand, Dafen A are best positioned to be crowned champions in reserve division two. But with just seven points splitting the top seven, their task is far from straightforward.
In the only two games scheduled, Johnstown Reserves and Pontarddulais Town A host Felinfoel Reserves and Kidwelly Town Reserves respectively.
After boasting an unbeaten record from their first 13 league games, reserve division three leaders Bwlch Rangers crashed to a shock 5-4 defeat at home to FC Carmarthen in their last match.
Despite that hiccup, Bwlch remain firm favourites to capture the title and should strengthen their position with three points from the away clash against lowly Llandeilo Town Reserves.