Only one team could be relegated from Cymru Premier after first instance licensing decisions
Kayne McLaggon of Barry Town celebrates scoring his sides first goal from the penalty spot. Cardiff Metropolitan University v Barry Town United in the JD Cymru Premier at Cyncoed Campus on the 15th March 2022. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
There could be hope for the teams involved in the relegation battle in the Cymru Premier after the outcome of the FAW’s Tier One Licence bids.
Cymru South leaders Llantwit Major and their closest rivals Pontypridd Town have both had their applications rejected.
Neither team has played in the top flight of Welsh football before, but the Dragons do have representation in the Adran Premier, which is the top level of Women’s football in Wales.
Both teams will have the right to appeal and have ten days to decide if they should to do so, it would be decided later this month before the season draws to a close.
As it stands, Barry Town United are 11th in the table, but as they have the Licence and the two-second tier teams don’t, they would retain their top tier status despite their current league position.
Cambrian & Clydach Vale, Buckley Town, Llandudno, Llanelli Town and the already relegated Cefn Druids have also rejected had their appeals for the licence turned down.
There is an outside chance Briton Ferry Llansawel could be promoted, though they would have to finish in at least second place, but are currently 10 points behind with only four games of the season left.
Carmarthen Town were also successful but Sean Cresser’s side are well off a promotion spot, 18 points off of Llantwit and 12 from Pontypridd.
There was no issue for the Cymru North winners Airbus UK Broughton, who obtained the Tier 1 Licence and will replace the Cefn Druids, who have finished bottom of the league.
Whilst there were 14 successful Tier 1 applications, there were also nine teams successful in securing the right to play in Europe next season.
All six teams in the Championship Conference; Bala Town, Caernarfon, Flint Town United, Newtown, Penybont and The New Saints will be eligible to play in the Europa Conference League, should they secure a second-placed finish.
There is also an opportunity for third-place to qualify should The New Saints defeat Penybont in the Welsh Cup final on May 1.
