Explained: What each side needs to qualify for Cymru Premier’s top six

A triple-threat across the Cymru Premier takes place for the remaining two top-six spots.

Two of the three face each other at the SDM Glass Stadium as fifth-placed Penybont take on the outsider Haverfordwest County.

Caernarfon Town meanwhile are away at The New Saints. 

Matchday 22 of the Cymru Premier season on Friday brings the scenario of three teams vying for two places available in the Championship Conference as the league splits for the second phase of the season in a weeks’ time.  Penybont and Caernarfon Town hold the two positions at kick off, both on 32 points, with Haverfordwest County three points adrift, visiting Penybont at the SDM Glass Stadium. 

With the announcement that the European place reserved for Welsh Cup winners now transferred to the league due to the cancellation of the cup competition is an added incentive to Penybont and Caernarfon Town, with Haverfordwest making a statement that they will not be applying for European accreditation this season. 

Penybont:           Current position 5^th Points 32      Goal Difference +2

Penybont are in pole position and know that a draw is enough to secure their place in the top six for the first time in their history. 

Rhys Griffiths: “We won’t be complacent in Friday’s game but I’m confident we can score and go on win the game.  Haverfordwest have had a brilliant season but I see this game as one in which we can get back to form, which has seen us reach fourth place this season. 

“I believe in the group who overcame bigger matches last season on our return to the Cymru Premier.”

Caernarfon Town             Position 6^th          Points 32              Goal Difference -6

Caernarfon visit title-chasing TNS for the final Easter bonanza, the hosts at Park Hall the league’s top scorers with 61 and goal difference could be key to the Canaries holding onto a place in the top six.  They have the worst goal difference of the contenders, on -6, eight behind Penybont and two better than the Pembrokeshire side. 

Football is a results game, a point or more for Huw Griffiths side would ensure their inclusion but if they lose it opens the door for Haverfordwest to pip them at the death.  If they lose 1-0 to TNS and Haverfordwest win by more than four goals at Penybont it may also open the door.

Haverfordwest County  Position 7^th          Points 29              Goal Difference -4

Haverfordwest manager Wayne Jones received a huge endorsement from the Clubs Directors with their announcement they had given the manager their backing and not sourced a Pro Licence holder to join the Club, just to gain the licence accreditation.

“We have a three year plan and we want to keep our better players for the long term.  We can secure our own interests and it’s a very interesting and challenging time for us and I’m delighted the Club see me as a manager who could lead them possibly into Europe.

“We are potentially punching above our weight in the league table, but we’ve earned the right this season. We have adapted our game plans and have no fear but we fully respect Penybont as a tough opponent tomorrow.  They beat us 4-0 earlier in the season and we must be at the top of our game on Friday. 

“A conference championship place would be brilliant.  If it doesn’t happen, we will look to finish as high up as we can to build on next season.”

Wayne Jones side must win in the Bryntirion suburb of Bridgend against a side managed by former centre forward Rhys Griffiths, who guided his side to a 4-0 success at the Bridge Meadow in October. 

Results since the return in March have seen the hosts win against Flint Town United and a double over local rivals Barry Town United whilst Jones side have had impressive success over TNS, Newtown, and Cardiff Met. 

An away victory of any score would lift them above Caernarfon, meaning the North Walian side would need something from their visit to TNS, not beyond the realms of possibility as they have won three and drawn a game since the restart, form which has seen Griffiths nominated for the manager of the month accolade for March.

In the final analysis, Haverfordwest must win to have a chance of a championship conference place.  If they do their job and Caernarfon lose at TNS, they will join Penybont alongside table-topping Connahs Quay Nomads, TNS, Bala Town, and Barry Town United in the final shake-up. If Haverfordwest do win and Caernarfon fail to secure a point, then the goal difference will count. 

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)