The good news broke on Thursday night that all current JD Cymru Premier clubs have been granted a domestic license – along with the clubs set to be promoted to the league.
This means that Llandudno, Airbus UK, Holywell Town, Trefelin and Cambrian have secured their places in the JD Cymru Premier for next season, and either Ammanford or Caerau Ely will replace Bala Town or Flint Town United on the final weekend.
It’s the final weekend of the regular season in the JD Cymru Premier, and there is something at stake in all six remaining matches.
In the Top Six, clubs are aiming to finish as high as possible to secure home advantage in the European play-offs.
In the Bottom Six, Haverfordwest County and Briton Ferry Llansawel are battling for a place in the play-offs, while Flint Town and Bala Town are fighting to avoid relegation.
The New Saints have already secures their fifth consecutive title, and Connah’s Quay have claimed second place, meaning both clubs will play in Europe this summer.
Last weekend, Caernarfon Town won the Welsh Cup for the first time in their history, claiming the third European spot, while the fourth European place will go to the winners of the end-of-season play-offs.
TOP SIX
Caernarfon Town (5th) v Pen-y-bont (6th) | Saturday – 17:15
Caernarfon Town made history last weekend by lifting the Welsh Cup for the first time ever, following a 3-0 victory over Flint Town United in the final.
The game was effectively over after just 18 minutes at Rodney Parade, Newport on Sunday afternoon, with the Cofis scoring three early goals against the Silkmen.
The win means Caernarfon Town have secured their place in Europe for next season, and therefore the Canaries will not take part in the play-offs next week.
After a strong start to the campaign, Pen-y-bont’s season has fallen apart since November.
The collapse began at Llanelian Road with a 5–4 defeat to Colwyn Bay, and since then they have won just once in 15 matches (vs Llanelli Town).
Pen-y-bont haven’t beaten a Top Six side since September (vs Colwyn Bay), and Rhys Griffiths’ team haven’t scored more than once in a game since that 5–4 defeat in November.
The head-to-head record between these sides has been even this season, with Pen-y-bont winning in September, Caernarfon Town winning in October, and the most recent meeting ending goalless in January.
Caernarfon Town will be hoping to finish their season strongly, but Pen-y-bont will be determined to get a positive result to boost moral ahead of next weekend’s play-offs.
League form:
Caernarfon Town: ͏✅❌❌❌✅
Pen-y-bont: ❌❌❌➖❌
Connah’s Quay (2nd) v Colwyn Bay (4th) | Saturday – 17:15
After an uncertain week, Colwyn Bay supporters will feel huge relief after hearing that the club has secured both a domestic license and a UEFA license.
The successful appeal means Colwyn Bay will remain in the JD Cymru Premier next season and will be able to compete in the play-offs next week for a European spot.
Connah’s Quay have already confirmed their place in Europe by securing second place in John Disney’s first season in charge.
The Nomads have been regulars on the European stage over the past decade, and after a year out following an 8th place finish last season, Connah’s Quay fans will be preparing for another adventure this year.
Connah’s Quay have had the slight upper hand in this fixture this season, winning their home game 2-1 in December, between two draws at Llaneilian Road.
League form:
Connah’s Quay: ❌✅✅➖❌
Colwyn Bay: ͏❌✅✅➖❌
Barry Town United (3rd) v The New Saints (1st) | Saturday – 17:15
The New Saints have secured the JD Cymru Premier title for the 18th time in their history, and for the fifth season in a row, and the Oswestry outfit will be hoping to finish their campaign with a win before beginning preparations for another European adventure.
Jordan Williams is well clear at the top of the scoring charts with 26 league goals, and he is likely to claim the Golden Boot on Saturday. The striker is also certain to be among the contenders for the Player of the Season award.
The Golden Glove has already been secured by The New Saints goalkeeper Nathan Shepperd, with the 25-year-old keeping 15 clean sheets in 26 league games in his first season at the club.
The assist race is the most exciting statistically, with two TNS players leading the way ahead of the final matches — Daniel Williams currently tops the chart with 13 assists, with Ryan Brobbel close behind on 12. However, Sion Bradley, Rhys Hughes and Harry Franklin (all on 11) will also be aiming to climb to the top.
Barry Town United have been in strong form recently, winning six of their last eight matches and keeping five clean sheets.
It has been an excellent season for the Dragons under Steve Jenkins, with the team reaching the Top Six for the first time in five years and winning the League Cup for the first time in a quarter of a century.
The New Saints will be eager for revenge following their defeat in the Nathaniel MG Cup final in Febraury, but Barry Town United will be keen to hold on to 3rd place to secure home advantage in the play-offs.
League form:
Barry Town United: ✅❌✅➖✅
The New Saints: ✅✅❌✅✅
BOTTOM SIX
Haverfordwest County (7th) v Llanelli Town (12th) | Saturday – 17:15
Haverfordwest County are in a strong position heading into the final game of the season, sitting three points clear in the race for 7th place, therefore a draw against Llanelli Town would be enough to secure their place in the play-offs.
The Bluebirds have won the playoffs twice in the last three years, and Tony Pennock will be hoping that experience can guide Haverfordwest to become the first club. ever to win the play-offs on three occasions.
Haverfordwest County have won seven of their nine league games since the split, keeping seven clean sheets, so confidence and momentum will be firmly with the west Wales side if they do progress to the play-offs.
After a challenging season, Llanelli Town will be looking to put in an encouraging performance in their final league game before dropping back down to the Cymru South.
Llanelli have won just five matches in all competitions this season, but two of those victories came against Haverfordwest — so it won’t be an easy outing for the Bluebirds.
League form:
Haverfordwest County: ❌✅❌✅✅
Llanelli Town: ➖❌❌✅❌
Cardiff Met (9th) v Flint Town United (10th) | Saturday – 17:15 (S4C)
After two years back in the top flight, Flint Town United are in danger of slipping out of the league on the final weekend of the regular season.
Flint Town United did brilliantly to reach the Welsh Cup final for the first time in 72 years, but the Cofis proved too strong last Sunday, with Lee Fowler’s side suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Rodney Parade.
A week later, and the disappointment could continue—because a win for Bala Town against Briton Ferry Llansawel would be enough to relegate Flint if they fail to beat Cardiff Met.
Flint Town are two points above Bala Town, with an identical goal difference, so a win for Flint would secure survival. Any other result would leave their fate in Bala’s hands.
The head-to-head record between the two sides has been evenly matched this season, with Flint winning 4–2 in September, Cardiff Met winning 4–1 in October, and a 1–1 draw at Cae y Castell in February.
The Silkmen are unbeaten in their last eight away league games since that 4-1 defeat at Cyncoed Campus in October (4 wins, 4 draws).
League form:
Cardiff Met: ❌❌✅✅❌
Flint Town United: ✅➖➖❌❌
Bala Town (11th) v Briton Ferry Llansawel (8th) | Saturday – 17:15
After losing just once in their last five matches, Bala Town have ensured that the battle to avoid relegation will go right down to the final weekend.
With four games remaining, Flint Town United were seven points clear of Bala in 11th place, but now just two points separate the two clubs in the fight for survival.
Bala Town have been members of the top flight for 16 years, and among the current clubs, only The New Saints have remained in the league continuously since Bala’s first season in 2009/10.
During their time in the top division, Bala Town have won the Welsh Cup (2016/17) and the Nathaniel MG Cup (2022/23), as well as qualifying for Europe on nine occasions.
However, after budget cuts and major changes over the summer—including the departure of long-serving manager Colin Caton – it has been a difficult season for new boss Steve Fisher.
Bala Town must beat Briton Ferry Llansawel on Saturday to have any hope of staying up.
Briton Ferry Llansawel will not be giving anything away either, as they are also chasing a play-off spot. If Haverfordwest County slip up against Llanelli Town, Andy Dyer’s side could move into 7th place.
Briton Ferry are unbeaten in their three meetings with Bala Town this season, drawing 2-2 in September before beating the Lakesiders twice at Old Road (2-0 and 2-1),
League form:
Bala Town: ➖➖✅❌✅
Briton Ferry Llansawel: ͏✅✅➖❌✅
Highlights of all matches will be available on Sgorio’s online platforms.
