Welsh Premier League Preview: MD 11
With the first ten games played, and midweek Nathaniel MG Cup action, the JD Welsh Premier League returns on Friday night as the table begins to take shape.
The highlight of the round of games sees second placed Cardiff Metropolitan University FC take on champions The New Saints at Park Hall, with the winner securing the top spot in the table, whilst at the other end of the table Prestatyn Town will be hoping to build on their shock win over Bangor City last week and to pile the pressure on Aberystwyth Town.
Bangor City v Cefn Druids
The JD Welsh Premier League’s Friday night match sees Kevin Nicholson’s Bangor City take on Cefn Druids at the Bangor City University Stadium in a 19:45 kick off. After a shock 4-2 away loss to league newcomers Prestatyn Town, Nicholson will be hoping his charges can take full advantage of a home tie against the Ancients. However, it will be no easy task given that Cefn Druids are unbeaten in the league since their 4-0 loss away to The New Saints on 8th September. With wins against Bala Town, Llandudno and Barry Town United, Huw Griffiths will be hoping for their impressive form to continue, and after the Citizen’s loss against Prestatyn Town, and having picked up just one win in their last five in all competitions, now could be the perfect time to face the former JD Welsh Premier League champions.
Carmarthen Town v Bala Town
The S4C cameras will be present at Richmond Park on Saturday, as Carmarthen Town take on Bala Town live on Sgorio on their new 3G pitch. It will only be the Old Gold’s third competitive league fixture on the pitch, and early signs have suggested they haven’t quite adapted totally just yet, given they have conceded seven goals in just the two games. Renown for a solid defence, Aizlewood’s men have already shipped 24 goals, but his young side have already beaten Bala Town 4-0 once this season, in their only win of the season. After two wins on the bounce, Bala Town seem to have refound their form after a run of five winless games. Could be a difficult one for the South Wales outfit, but Aizlewood is sure to have his side well drilled ahead of the tough test.
Llandudno v Newtown
After a run of five games without a win, Llandudno parted ways with manager Alan Morgan. After guiding the side from the Huws Gray Alliance to Europe, Tudno called time on his tenure at the club. Despite a positive start to the league season, going unbeaten in their opening five league fixtures, things have taken a sharp turn as the club have now gone winless in five. Newtown will be looking for their third league win of the season to climb away from the bottom two. But, Llandudno’s managerial change could be enough to halt their run.
Prestatyn Town v Aberystwyth Town
Prestatyn Town’s players and fans alike are riding the crest of a wave at the moment. After their inspired 4-2 win over early season favourites Bangor City, the side look comfortable upon their return to the top flight and currently sit in eighth place. However, they face an Aberystwyth side beginning to find its feet under former Bangor manager Neville Powell. The Seasiders claimed their first win against Llandudno on match day nine and will be hoping to replicate that result this time around.
The New Saints v Cardiff Met
The tie of the weekend, as the league’s two form sides go head to head in a winner takes first place affair. Met have thoroughly impressed thus far this season and have quietly gone about their work with an astute consistency rivaled by very few, apart from TNS. Despite their loss in the opening week, the champions have found their way again with ease under Steve Evans and Scott Ruscoe, although with just one point separating the sides, that could all change if Met can pull off their eighth league win of the season this weekend.
Barry Town United v Connah’s Quay Nomads
Barry Town United will take confidence from their start to the season into matchday eleven against clear favourites Connah’s Quay. The Nomads are just three points off top spot, but yet look like they’ve hit top gear. If the Nomads can get firing on all cylinders in the final third, it could be a scary prospect, but with the well drilled Barry side rejuvenated by the return of Jordan Cotterril, a home win could not be ruled out quite yet.
(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)
