Major fixtures concern

FOOTBALL

IT MIGHT be a tongue in cheek remark, but Llantwit Major might still be completing a fixture backlog in Nathaniel Cars Welsh League Division Three come June, writes Tony Poole.

After last Saturday’s fixture at Ely Rangers was called off due to a saturated pitch, the club’s official Twitter account carried a mischievous message.

“Once again weather conditions have got the better of us and the game at Ely Rangers is off – see you guys in June.’’

Llantwit Major were disappointed Ely refused to reverse the fixture, as the Windmill Lane clash hasn’t been played.

This latest postponement has left the Windmillers with 16 remaining matches, and a demanding end-ofseason schedule.

This Saturday, Llantwit Major entertain Treharris Athletic Western, and seven days later they have a key clash away to leaders STM Sports.

Last week the St Mellons side lost an appeal to the FAW against three points being docked, following a failure to stage a home match with Treowen Stars just before Christmas.

That brought them back to the chasing pack that’s still being headed by Caerau and Llantwit Major.

But given the Windmillers have games in hand; it’s them and STM who currently have wind in their sails.

“Some pundits are tipping STM and us to go up, but there’s a long way to go and plenty of potential pitfalls,” said Llantwit Major chief Karl Lewis.

He went on: “The boys are continuing to work hard and the arrival of some new signings has freshened up the squad.

“Though some people point to our goal-scoring ability, to me clean sheets are equally important.’’

With clean sheets in mind, the arrival of commanding centre-half Shaun Barney-Williams from Bridgend super club Penybont has give them a timely midwinter boost.

“Barney has given us added strength at the back while teenage striker Sam Snaith is a natural goal scorer.

“Hopefully, he can strike up a winning partnership over the coming weeks with proven scorers like Rob Jones and Luke Cox – and we can continue to keep clean sheets.’’