Match Preview: Trethomas Bluebirds v Bridgend Street

After postponements last weekend, Trethomas Bluebirds and Bridgend Street tonight serve up a Friday night Welsh League Three affair with both seeking to cement their places at the heart of the promotion race.

The teams have met twice already this season, both times at The Willows, with both games producing six goals – Bridgend Street edging the League Cup fixture 4-2, while a second half comeback from the visiting Bluebirds saw them steal a 3-3 draw having been three down at half time.

Both managers are wary of the threats posed by their Friday opponents, and know very much that Welsh League Three has seen a group of sides at the top all take points off each other, rather than seeing anyone pull clear at the top.

Trethomas Bluebirds sit joint top as things stand, but have played more games than those around them.  Boss Gareth Kedward said, “In a league where everyone is beating everyone, [having] points on the board is a good thing.  We maybe dropped too many points at the beginning of the season, but time will tell.”

Kedward said of the previous league meeting that the draw represented a fair result following a “great end to a great game.”  He knows his side will have to perform well to pick up a third league win on the trot, following a home loss to Chepstow Town that started the year.  Kedward said, “They have some good players and will be organised so we won’t underestimate them.  However, we will fancy ourselves Friday at home – our form and confidence is good.”

Bridgend Street Manager Craig Dale has seen his side reach the League Cup semi-final having knocked out three-times holders Taffs Well two weeks ago.  But it is now a focus on the league.  He said, “[It was] a great win, deserved in front of a record home crowd, but the semi-final is now at the back of our minds. We’ve played Trethomas twice and both have been tough, physical games.  We know they are a good side with strong character, who’ll only be stronger under the lights and in front of their home crowd.”

Looking at the promotion picture, Dale said, “It’s still too early to assess really. Anyone can beat anyone on any given day, which has been proven already. There’s still a lot of points to play for.  We’ve dropped more points than we’d have liked at this stage, but we will be giving our all until the very end.”

Trethomas Bluebirds will be without Aaron Colwill (holiday) and Curtis Rees (who broke his ankle last time out – we wish him all the best with his recovery). Visitors Bridgend Street have injury and work commitment concerns.

Kick-off: 7.30pm Entry: £3 for adults. A matchday programme is available.  All are welcome to use the Bedwas RFC clubhouse. The postcode for the ground is CF23 8DZ. The ground is about a 30 minute walk from Caerphilly railway station.