JD Welsh Premier League Preview: Matchday 12
AFTER a convincing 3-0 win against Connah’s Quay Nomads in Matchday 11’s big game, The New Saints will be looking to maintain their position at the top of the Welsh Premier League when they travel to Newtown on Saturday.
A Blaine Hudson goal, along with a brace from Aeron Edwards saw the reigning champions come out on top in the clash of the league’s front runners.
Gavin Chesterfield’s Barry Town United will be looking to keep up the pressure on TNS and Connah’s Quay when they travel to face Bala on Saturday.
Caernarfon Town vs. Connnah’s Quay Nomad (Friday, 19:45)
The Cofis come into this game on the back of a disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Newtown on Matchday 11.
The loss at The Oval was the fourth game in a row that Sean Eardley’s side have failed to win, drawing the three previous games against Aberystwyth, Bala and Cefn Druids.
The newly-promoted Canaries were actually the last team to beat the Nomads, coming out on top 1-0 at the Deeside Stadium on September 11.
Andy Morrison will no doubt be looking to Callum Morris to provide the goal threat, the number eight is the joint second highest scorer in the league this season with eight goals to his name.
Llandudno vs. Cefn Druids (Friday, 19:45)
Iwan Williams’ men are without a win in five in the league, and are current lowest scorers – netting only seven times in 11 games.
A second half goal from Naim Arsan saw the Druids draw 1-1 with Cardiff Metropolitan last week, a point which kept Huw Griffiths’ side in ninth place.
When the two sides met at the Rock back in September, it was the hosts who secured a 2-1 win with goals from Dean Rittenberg and Nathan Peate.
A defeat for Tudno could see them finish the week in the relegation zone, while the Druids could overtake eighth-placed Aberystwyth with a high-scoring win.
Llanelli Town vs. Aberystwyth Town (Friday, 19:45)
Llanelli suffered their eighth defeat of the season last week against Barry, as Joe Clark and Chris Thomas were sent off. Aber picked up what could prove to be a crucial 1-0 win away at Llandudno.
These teams met on Matchday Four, when Neville Powell’s side ran out 3-1 winners; thanks to goals from Porya Ahmadi, Geoff Kellaway and Joe Phillips.
The Green & Whites currently sit in eighth place on 14 points, whereas the Reds are propping up the table; having picked up seven points to date.
Bala Town vs. Barry Town United (Saturday, 14:30)
Gavin Chesterfield’s side continued their strong start to the season with Friday’s win against Llanelli, the Jenner Park side are currently third in the league on 22 points.
After a somewhat shaky start to the season, Colin Caton’s Bala have recovered and are unbeaten in five games in the league.
A win for the Lakesiders would see them overtake Barry, who have won five of their last six league games.
Newtown vs. The New Saints (Saturday, 14:30)
TNS’ win against Connah’s Quay Nomads on Saturday was their fourth successive victory in all competitions, a stretch which has seen them score 17 goals and concede only once.
The Robins have made a positive start to the season, and last week’s win at Caernarfon saw them remain in fifth place; as they aim to consolidate their spot in the top six.
Scott Ruscoe’s men won the corresponding fixture 3-2 last season, before losing 4-2 at Park Hall when the sides met four days later.
Cardiff Metropolitan vs. Carmarthen Town (Sunday, 14:30)
Last week’s defeat at home to Bala was Carmarthen’s fifth successive reverse in the league, a run of games which sees them occupy the second relegation position.
The Archers have had a mixed start to their season, winning five, losing five and drawing one of their first 11 games.
The Old Gold came out on top in the reverse fixture earlier on this season, winning 2-0 with goals from Liam Thomas and Mael Davies.
(Featured image: Rhys Skinner)
