Students are on hunt for top marks at the seaside

TWO buoyant teams clash in the Welsh Premier League this evening when Cardiff Met travel to Park Avenue in Aberystwyth.

Christian Edwards’ students got their season off to flier by defeating Newtown 2-1 at their Cyncoed Campus.

Last season’s top scorer Elliott Evans was on target with an excellent finish to open up the goals for account in the new term, before Dan Spencer gave the home team a second goal which proved crucial as the Robins threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Met defence.

But Edwards’ team held on for the three points with a chance to gain top spot tonight should they gain a victory against Aber.

The Seasiders also opened their Premier campaign with a victory as Declan Walker’s 25-yard screamer gave them a 1-0 home win against Llandudno.

Keeping him quiet will be key if Met want to claim top spot later on this evening.

Barry Town will look to put last weekend’s 5-1 away defeat to champions TNS behind them when they entertain Bala Town at Jenner Park on Sunday (1430).

Bala started well last weekend with a 2-1 home victory over Carmarthen and they are regularly playing in Europe now, and will be tough nut to crack for Barry.

The visitors have signed more attacking players this season and their right winger Henry Jones has a bag of tricks which should keep Barry’s defence busy.

After their opening-day loss, a point should be a decent return for the Linnetts on Sunday and they are capable of that on home surface at Jenner.

The game of the day in the Nathaniel Cars Welsh League this weekend has to be Llantwit Major playing host to Penybont at their Windmill Ground tomorrow (1430).

Llantwit have been champions twice in successive seasons to achieve their top flight status and have done remarkably well under the guidance of their young manager Karl Lewis, who joined the club only three years ago and is still in his 20s.

Lewis spent all of his football career at Penybont but moved to Llantwit to take over a team struggling in Division Three.

Lewis said: “I have brought in a team full of players over the past two seasons who weren’t given the chance to play regularly at Penybont, so Saturday should be an interesting game with some players getting the chance to prove they are good enough.”

Penybont, who won their opener 1-0 against Taffs Well, are one of the bookies favourite for Division One title, and have made some excellent summer signings including, Sam Rodem, Luke Borelli and ex-Barry Town captain James Sadler.

This is one of those fixtures which has been waiting to happen and may just keep the man in the middle busy should it become a physical encounter which should be watched by a crowd topping 300 spectators.

There is a Rhondda derby being played this evening as Cambrian and Clydach host their local rivals Ton Pentre (1930).

Cambrian boss Dane Williams lost his first game in charge at home last Friday when visitors Britton Ferry won 1-0.

Kevin Richards’ Ton Pentre put in a decent performance last Saturday going down 2-1 at Afan Lido.

A large crowd is expected this evening to see who takes the first derby bragging rights of the season in the Rhondda.

Taffs Well are on home turf where they entertain Undy Athletic.

Adrian Needs’ Wellmen were defeated at Penybont last weekend and face a Gwent team who scored five in their first fixture at Cwmamman United.

In Division Two, Dinas Powys are playing their third game in a week at the Murch and welcome Aberbargoed Buds. Gavin Price’s team have shown decent ability in their first two games but remain pointless after losing 1-0 on Saturday against Croesyceiliog, and 3-1 on Wednesday evening to STM Sports.

Bridgend Street play Garden Village in Swansea and new manager John Jones should be pleased after taking four points out of six in his first week in charge of the Mission.

A 2-1 home victory last Saturday at the Willows was followed by a decent 2-2 draw at Caerau Ely in midweek.

After two games STM are well ahead in the scoring charts.

Last Saturday they were 3-1 down after 20 minutes to West End but went on to record a 12-3 victory before their hard earned 3-1 away win at Dinas Powys in midweek.

Caerau Ely travel to Abergavenny tomorrow and should travel in a positive mood after their first week exploits.

It’s four points in a week so far after two home games.

Last Saturday saw them win 3-0 against Aberdare at Cwrt y Ala before a 2-2 midweek derby against Bridgend Street.

Adie Harris’ Ely Rangers made a positive start to their campaign when they drew 1-1 at Trefelin last Saturday.

The Rangers are on the road again tomorrow when they visit Panteg.

Pontyclun were the visitors to Panteg last Saturday and recorded an excellent 5-3 away win.

Ponty host Penrhiwceiber Rangers tomorrow.