Penybont have top six in their sights
PENYBONT take top billing when they play Haverfordwest this afternoon in the JD Cymru Premier’s final set of fixtures before the league splits into two.
They looked nailed on for a top-six spot only a couple of weeks ago, until Rhys Griffiths’ squad hit a rough patch, taking just a point from their last two games. A defeat at home to Flint was followed by a 1-1 draw at Aberystwyth.
Haverfordwest, meanwhile, have been in fine form, including an excellent 3-0 away win at Newtown last week. Goals from Kieron Lewis, Cameron Keetch and Marcus Griffiths gave the Bluebirds from West Wales the points.
Caernarfon Town are also in the hunt for a top-six slot and they travel to The New Saints for their final game of phase one. Town are on an unbeaten run of eight games, but could still miss out if Haverfordwest record a victory with a few goals at Penybont.
In the first game played between Penybont and Haverfordwest earlier in the season, Griffiths’ team coasted to a 4-0 away win at Bridge Meadow and the Bridgend club are still favourites to edge their way over the line this afternoon.
But Haverfordwest are definitely on an upward curve of form, so a last day of phase one surprise is not to be ruled out in a league which keeps throwing up unpredictable results.
Barry Town cemented their top-six slot last Saturday with an empathetic 6-2 home victory against third-placed Bala Town.
The returning Kayne McLaggon was back with a brace, and Evan Press also scored a couple of goals to add to Curtis Hutson and Chris Hugh strikes.
Gavin Chesterfield’s team will head to Cardiff Met today with a spring in their step and their eyes could be back on a third-placed finish which could guarantee automatic European football.
Christian Edwards and Cardiff Met may welcome a derby match to try and get themselves back into form as, at present, the students are on a sevenmatch run where they haven’t got over the winning line.
The Met produced plenty of spirit in their televised encounter last Saturday when they were defeated 3-2 by Caernarfon.
Eliot Evans and Harry Owen were both on the scoresheet in that game.
Edwards will be hoping for a bit more stability from his defence if they are to come out on top against Barry. A surprise victory is just what the Met need at present to stop them getting dragged into a relegation scrap.
JD Cymru Premier (all 1700): Aberystwyth Town v Cefn Druids, Bala Town v Flint Town United, Cardiff MU v Barry Town, Newtown v Connah’s Quay Nomads, Penybont v Haverfordwest County (live on S4C), The New Saints v Caernarfon Town.