Pontypridd United face Adran Premier relegation – here’s how

Pontypridd United sit bottom of the Adran Premier with zero points from fourteen games. We look at their struggles, relegation risk, and what lies ahead for the club.

Can Pontypridd United be relegated as soon as this weekend?

Although it may seem early, yes, Ponty can be relegated to the second tier as soon as Sunday.

For this to happen, they would need to lose at home against Aberystwyth Town, while Barry Town would have to secure an away win against Briton Ferry. Granted, even if Ponty lose, they are relying on results elsewhere, but Briton Ferry have been winless in their last six competitive matches.

Where has it gone wrong for Pontypridd United?

Since returning to the top tier of Welsh football, Ponty have faced a difficult season. With a largely youthful squad, many of whom weren’t part of last season’s title-winning team, they have struggled to match the experience and strength of more established sides, including heavy defeats such as 10-1 away at Swansea City.

Arguably, their two brightest sparks this season, Madison Lloyd and Seren Thomas-Condon, were both recalled by their parent club, Cardiff City, in January, each securing new contracts with the Bluebirds. Their departure has significantly reduced Ponty’s attacking threat.

On top of this, Ponty’s manager, Drew Lewis, left the club in mid-October. The club went without a manager for over two months before reappointing Lewis on 21 December.

These factors highlight how challenging Ponty’s season has been off the pitch, and on the pitch, they have struggled just as much.

Who has the chance to replace Pontypridd United?

Under the format of the Adran Leagues, only one club is relegated from the top tier, and only one is promoted. This is decided in a single-game play-off between the winners of the Adran South and Adran North, usually held towards the end of April.

At present, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Cardiff Met WFC look like the most likely winners, with Llanfair Ladies and Pure Swansea close behind.

Cardiff Met will be aiming to return immediately to the top of the Welsh pyramid after their surprising relegation last year, despite having won five titles in six seasons, most recently in 2019.

Meanwhile, the Nomads will be seeking redemption after last year’s play-off loss to Ponty, where they surrendered a 2-0 half-time lead to lose 3-2.