Being top or bottom at Christmas can be seen as an indicator for the remainder of the season.
It can also be seen as a halfway point for both the North and South, with most sides playing over 15 games.
Some of the teams at the top hold slender gaps, whilst others are running away with the title.
At the bottom, some teams are in danger of being cut adrift.
See who’s top and bottom of their respective leagues and whether Y Clwb Pêl-Droed’s Jordan Jones believes their fortunes could change this season.
Cymru Premier
Top: The New Saints
Scott Ruscoe’s men lead the Cymru Premier before Santa’s big day.
Once again they’ve bid their time to allow others to take top spot before swooping in with a good run of form.
They go into Christmas though with a home defeat to Cardiff Met under their belt.
History will show that The New Saints tend to up the ante in Phase Two.
The professional outfit make the most of the lack of consistency from the other sides as they go solely about their own business.
The New Saints – have been top of the Cymru Premier for six of the last six seasons.
The exception? Connah’s Quay. Andy Morrison’s men are continuing to punch above their weight after a squad cull in the summer.
It’ll be interesting to see if there is much movement from The New Saints in January.
Scott Ruscoe is building somewhat of a youthful revolution at Park Hall. However, the tried tested likes of Aeron Edwards, Greg Draper and Ryan Brobbel are still doing the business for the Saints.
The chasing pack aren’t far behind The New Saints though. Barry in fifth are only five points off.
January can be a hard window to manoeuvre in but the right additions can make all the difference in those ten final matches.
Prediction: The New Saints will have what it takes to win their ninth straight title.
They just don’t lose the big games in Phase Two.
Bottom: Carmarthen Town
It’s an all too familiar plight for Carmarthen. They find themselves once more in a relegation battle this season.
Kris O’Leary tried to rub off that new manager bounce but has only managed one win so far.
That 3-0 win over Cardiff Met is the Old Gold’s only league win of the season.
January cannot come quick enough for O’Leary who will be afforded the opportunity to add to his squad.
So far he’s had to work with another person’s tools. With his former Swansea City days, he may be able to attract some players.
Near them at the bottom is Penybont who dropped into the bottom two with a 2-0 defeat to Newtown.
This doubleheader between Penybont and Carmarthen over the festive period will be vital for both clubs.
If one side were to win twice against the other then they would earn some breathing space.
Airbus UK – 10th in the league – face a tough doubleheader against title-chasing Connah’s Quay.
If they were to continue their winless run then one of Carmarthen and Penybont could capitalise.
Penybont have just two home fixtures remaining in Phase One. Their only wins this season have come against fellow newly-promoted side Airbus.
They do have a game in hand over their relegation rivals but it comes against European hopefuls Caernarfon Town.
Cymru North
Top: Prestatyn Town
Once again Prestatyn Town find themselves top of the second division.
It’s not got the same feeling as their 2016/2017 Cymru Alliance winning season campaign, but that won’t mind Prestatyn.
A seven-point gap at Christmas will suit the Seasiders nicely going into the new year.
Flint Town United are suffering a bit of a wobble after surrendering a victory to over Conwy Borough.
Prestatyn and Flint both have 13 points from their last six matches
Prediction: Prestatyn have the perfect mix of a prolific attack and a strong attack.
Their squad boasts players like Jordan Davies and Rob Hughes – both of who could play at Cymru Premier level.
The gap they hold over third-placed Colwyn Bay will put them in good stead for an automatic spot.
Bottom: Llanfair United
Llanfair United are rooted to the bottom of the Cymru North and find themselves 13 points adrift.
The last time they were in the second tier, they were able to hold their place for two seasons.
In those seasons, they were able to get 21 points and 25 points.
Two points at the half-way stage is going to make it hard for them to navigate out of this one.
Prediction: The Cymru North is such a hard division and Llanfair will need to get a win soon.
They’re the second-lowest scorers in the division and have shipped the most goals.
Llanfair will need to drastically improve in the new year if they are to ensure a longer stay in the Cymru North.
Cymru South
Top: Briton Ferry Llansawel
There’s an actual feeling of a title race this season. Penybont last season ran away with the Welsh League (now Cymru South) title.
Briton Ferry Llansawel currently lead the division on goal difference.
The Reds are top after an indifferent start to the season. An eight-game winning run has seen them get into this position.
However, they’ve played more games than Swansea University and Haverfordwest County.
A hand-rubbing double-header between Briton Ferry Llansawel and Swansea University is something to get your teeth into.
The placing of the back-to-back matches couldn’t have come at a better time.
It’ll be Briton Ferry’s biggest test in showcasing their title credentials.
Prediction: This one is too close to call. I do think the three sides there at the moment will be the ones to contest the title race for the remainder of the season.
Briton Ferry Llansawel are on a good run-of-form at the moment and at the moment you’d slightly put them ahead of the others.
Haverfordwest County have experience of winning the title at this level and can boast some of Penybont’s invincibles.
In what was meant to be a season of stability for Swansea University, Dafydd Evans’ side have continued their momentum from their promotion-winning seasons.
Haverfordwest County edge it for me at the moment due to their experience at the top end of the division.
Wayne Jones is an experienced manager and he’s assembled a good squad at this level.
Expect Briton Ferry and Swansea University to continue to challenge the Bluebirds.
Bottom: Caerau Ely
Rooted to the bottom of the Cymru South is promoted side, Caerau Ely.
The Young Guns have been unable to emulate STM Sports and Swansea University who have adapted to life in a higher division having been promoted last season.
Caerau are one of only two sides yet to win a league game.
They’re twelve points adrift and have been on the end of some heavy score-lines this campaign.
They’re also without a manager following the departure of Craig Sampson.
Sampson was left with a rebuilding job after Ely’s relation in 2017 and opted to build a side of younger players, mixed with experience.
Despite their success last season, Ely has been unable to retain any momentum from their promotion.
And one of their promotion heroes Rameer Outlaw has left to join lower league outfit Goytre.
Caerau face a tricky doubleheader as they face free-scoring STM Sports.
A win will need to come from somewhere if they are to show any signs of a revival.
(Featured Image: Brian Jones, Geraint Nicholas and John’s Images)
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