Llandudno ready to roll at The Rock

CEFN Druids host Llandudno this afternoon at The Rock, in the final round of matches before the Welsh Premier splits into two groups, with the winner taking the prize of the final place in the top-six group.

That would ensure a play-off slot for a place in Europe, but all is not lost for the loser as the top side in the bottom group at the end of the season will also qualify for the play-offs.

Barry Town United could leapfrog Druids and Llandudno, but they would require an unlikely goal avalanche against Bala to give Gavin Chesterfield’s side any hope.

Llandudno boss Iwan Williams feels that if his side qualify it would be his best managerial achievement.

He said: “It would top everything I have achieved. Last week’s victory over Bangor was the best result I have been involved with because of what it meant to us and it brought us the opportunity we have against Druids,” he said.

“I’m proud of what my players have achieved since I’ve been at the club.

“I have a lot of respect for Huw Griffiths (Druids’ manager) and they have had a fantastic season, but this game is a straight shoot-out,” he added.

The New Saints are steadily moving towards their seventh successive title, with a nine-point lead on Connah’s Quay, but they face a stiff test this afternoon when third-placed Bangor City visit Park Hall.

Quay are at strugglers Aberystwyth Town, who are in the relegation mix following a dismal Christmas sequence which earned them just one point from their last four matches.

Bottom side Carmarthen Town, who are seven points adrift of safety, will be hoping to narrow the gap when they host Cardiff Met, the students having recently cemented their top-six status.

In the remaining match, secondbottom Prestatyn Town will be in serious peril if they lose at Newtown as the Robins, who are only two places above the relegation slots, already hold a nine-point lead on Neil Gibson’s side.