TOWN FACE A PRE-SEASON STUDENT TEST

CARMARTHEN Town will face one of their Welsh Premier League rivals as they warm up for the new season.

The Old Gold will take on Cardiff Met in one of their pre-season friendlies as manager Neil Smothers puts his squad through their paces in the coming weeks.

That game against the Archers, who qualified for the Europa League for the first time in their history with a penalty shootout victory over Bala Town last month, takes place at Richmond Park on Saturday, July 27 (2.30pm).

The sides met four times last season, with Carmarthen winning both league games at Richmond Park. Met won one of their home matches, with the other game ending in a draw.

It is one of five pre-season games Carmarthen have so far planned, though they are also hoping to arrange a clash for Wednesday, July 10.

FAW Championship side Haverfordwest County visit Carmarthen on July 13 (2.30pm), with the Old Gold heading to Briton Ferry Llansawel the following Wednesday (7.30pm).

Near neighbours Llanelli Town make the short trip to Richmond Park on July 24 (7.30pm). Then comes the game against Cardiff Met, before a visit to Cinderford on Saturday, August 3.

The new WPL season is due to get under way the following weekend.

The pre-season friendlies will give Town’s supporters a chance to cast their eyes over the club’s trio of summer signings.

Chris Jones has made the move from Llanelli Town, while Elliot Scotcher and Josh Bull are the other new arrivals at Richmond Park.

Scotcher has arrived from Welsh League side Haverfordwest County, while he has also played for Cardiff Met, Merthyr, Aberystwyth, Barry Town and was a former scholar with Ipswich Town.

Bull, a forward from Blaenavon in the Gwent County League, has also played for Abertillery Bluebirds, Monmouth Town, Goytre, Aberystwyth and Cwmbran Celtic.

Meanwhile, Liam Thomas was a double winner at Carmarthen Town’s sportsmen’s dinner.

The club’s all-time leading scorer won the awards for manager’s player of the year and supporters’ player of the year.

Defender Lee Surman was the winner of the players’ player of the year prize.

Eirian Rees was named clubman of the year at Cwmamman United’s presentation night. Rees, who stood down as manager after the most successful season in the club’s history which saw them finish sixth in division one of the Welsh League, received his award from Carmarthenshire Council chairman Kevin Madge.

Liam Thomas.