Five takeaways from this weekend’s Welsh Premier League action
It was another eventful weekend in the Welsh Premier League last weekend, with plenty of talking points emerging from Wales’ top division.
With victories for Druids, Llandudno, Aberystwyth, Barry Town United, The New Saints, and Connah’s Quay Nomads, we delve into this week’s action.
Druids could kick on from here
Since qualifying for Europe last May against Cardiff Met, life in the Welsh Premier League hasn’t been as rosy this time around for Huw Griffiths’ Cefn Druids. Before this weekend, Druids had won just once in five games in the top flight, but this weekend could be the kick start they needed.
A 4-0 victory over Carmarthen, who have impressed many with their playing style this season, shows the ability of the team and their potential to return to last season’s form. To bounce back from a poor run of form to win 4-0 shows their potential to be a threat once again this term.
Llandudno needed time
Iwan Williams made mass changes at Llandudno this summer, as he set his sights on moulding his squad into his own after joining the club in January. After losses to Aber and Druids, as well as draws against Newtown and Carmarthen, there were was a keen sense of intrigue to see whether his new crop of players were up to the task.
But, after consecutive victories over Barry Town United and Cardiff Met and keeping two clean sheets in the process, Williams’ players have responded in the perfect fashion. They may have proved that they just needed time to gel as a unit after so many changes this summer.
Aberystwyth look far more solid after a season with Powell
There are just two sides in the league with JD Welsh Premier League winning managers. TNS and Aberystwyth, and the latter’s improvement since Neville Powell has taken charge has been evident.
After a JD Welsh Cup final last season, the Mid Wales outfit have won half of their six games this term, and are the fourth best scoring outfit this season already. They look ready to push for a top six finish this season.
Inconsistency may be a feature of Carmarthen’s season
Carmarthen have impressed many with their new style of football under Neil Smothers, but having changed so drastically from their previous style and having seemingly focused their transfer recruitment this summer on promising, young players, it seems as though there may be growing pains for the Old Gold.
The club have already shown their quality in 2-0 and 3-0 victories over Cardiff Met and Newtown respectively, but defeats to TNS, Bala and Druids have shown that a transition in style is something not easily achieved.
Draper may struggle for game time at TNS
Greg Draper is arguably one of TNS’ best players, yet the once capped New Zealand frontman is yet to start for the defending champions in the league this term.
Steve Evans and Scott Ruscoe have been keen to put their own mark on the squad and forward Dean Ebbe. Apart from his start at Queen’s Park, the prolific striker has had to settle for time on the bench, and it seems it may stay that way for some time yet.
Featured Image: Chris Howells
