Linnets hoping to storm back into Premier action
ALL three of South Wales JD Cymru Premier sides return to action this week having had their matches last week postponed as a result of Storm Dennis.
Barry Town United welcome Caernarfon to Jenner Park tomorrow in the Championship Conference, whilst, in the Play-off Conference, Cardiff Met host Airbus, and tonight sees Penybont travel to Aberystwyth.
Barry have lost ground on the top three after they lost their opening game of Phase Two against Connah’s Quay Nomads, and realistically a win is needed if they are to stay in any sort of title contention.
The Linnets lost one and drew one against the Caernarfon in Phase One, but their opponents tomorrow are winless in their last seven league games, losing six, and you could expect Gavin Chesterfield’s side to extend that winless run to eight. David Cotterill is expected to make a full debut for Barry and could be involved in an entertaining encounter where both teams usually play open and attacking football.
Cardiff Met will fancy their chances against an Airbus side who are bottom of the Play-off Conference and without a league win since October 19. Conversely, the Archers have won their last four in all competitions and remain in the play-off place after last weekend’s postponements.
Elliot Evans ,who struck the winning penalty to see the Met qualify for Europe last season, has found his scoring touch again and this should bolster Christian Edwards’ squad’s chances of repeating their European campaign again this time around. Airbus are at the bottom of the league, but are only a win away from getting themselves out of the relegation places which should make tomorrow’s contest very competitive.
Penybont face a tricky Friday night trip to Aber, who beat Airbus 5-3 at Park Avenue last weekend. That win saw the Seasiders open up an 11-point gap between themselves and the drop zone, so they look to be safe, but Matthew Bishop will no doubt want a win tonight just to stretch that gap further, and almost guarantee safety with seven games left to go.
For Rhys Griffiths, he has to pick his side up to go again after their loss at home to Carmarthen two weeks ago. They lost 1-0 in Aber last month, and won’t want a repeat of that scoreline as they look to go above Carmarthen and out of the drop zone.
Third plays fifth in one of the big games in the Cymru South this weekend, as Briton Ferry host STM Sports. Both sides were out of action last week through the weather, and STM will be looking to build on a win away at Afan Lido last time out, which was their first in four in the league.
Bottom side Caerau Ely have picked up since Daniel Hooper took over as manager a few weeks back, with six of their eight points this season coming in their last six games. They are, however, still 12 points from safety, and will be targeting their match against Undy Athletic tomorrow as one that they have to win if they are going to survive in Tier 2.
Pontypridd were one of the few sides who did play last week, their 1-1 draw with Cwmamman United extending their unbeaten run to eight games. One of those games was a 1-0 win away at Llantwit Major, and it’s they who make the journey to the USW Sports Park tomorrow. A win for either side will take the victor further away from the drop zone and into mid-table safety.
Taffs Well will be hoping that they can keep their good run of late going as well when they travel to Afan Lido tonight. Also playing tonight are Cambrian & Clydach, who host Cwmbran Celtic.
In the Welsh League, Bridgend Street have a big game at The Willows where they host third-placed Port Talbot Town.
The Mission are in mid-table at present and will need results against the likes of the Steelmen if they are to finish in a top-six spot.
Dinas Powys are continuing their fight against the drop to Division Two and host AFC Llwydcoed at The Murch Ground.
In Division Two, Treharris Athletic travel to Newport City tonight, while promotion-chasing Pontyclun are on the road, visiting Ynyshir Albions tomorrow.