With just three games left in the league season, Bala Town and Newtown are level on points in the second and third positions before the two teams go head-to-head at Maes Tegid on Friday afternoon in what promises to be a crucial match in the race for European qualification.
The New Saints have already been crowned champions and have therefore qualified for Europe, but there’s two more tickets up for grabs, for the league runners-up and the JD Welsh Cup winners (or 3rd placed team if Welsh Cup winners have already qualified).
TOP SIX
Caernarfon Town (5th) v Pen-y-bont (4th) | Friday – 14:30
There will be no European adventure for the Cofis this summer as it’s now impossible for Huw Griffiths to reach the top three after losing 1-0 against Newtown on Saturday.
And following a run of four consecutive defeats, Pen-y-bont are also out of contention for a top three finish but could still qualify for Europe via the Welsh Cup route.
Rhys Griffiths’ gang will have to beat The New Saints for the first time in their history in the JD Welsh Cup final next month if they are to secure European football.
Pen-y-bont had gone eight games without a loss against Caernarfon Town before their shock 0-3 defeat against the Canaries at the SDM Glass Stadium last month,
Caernarfon Town: ✅❌❌✅❌
Pen-y-bont: ✅❌❌❌❌
The New Saints (1st) v Flint Town United (6th) | Friday – 14:30
After losing six of their seven games since the split the European dream is over for Flint Town United.
The Silkmen started the second phase only one point behind the all-important second spot, but after a growing list of injuries and suspensions, Neil Gibson’s boys have won just one of their last 11 games.
Flint Town United have never beaten The New Saints, but after getting thrashed 10-0 and 6-0 against the Oswestry outfit last season, the results have most certainly improved during this campaign.
League form:
The New Saints: ➖❌✅➖✅
Flint Town United: ❌✅❌❌❌
Bala Town (3rd) v Newtown (2nd) | Friday – 15:00
Goal difference is the only thing separating Newtown and Bala Town in the 2nd and 3rd positions, and with the Robins leading by just two goals it couldn’t be much closer between the two teams in the hunt for European football.
Newtown have reached Europe on four occasions since their first appearance in 1996, while Bala Town have qualified seven times since 2013.
Both clubs will be full of confidence as The New Saints are the only team to beat Bala Town since November, while Newtown are on a run of four consecutive wins.
But Bala Town could be considered favourites for this one as the Lakesiders are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with the mid-Wales Robins (won seven, drawn one).
After this match Bala Town’s final two fixtures will be against Caernarfon Town (a) and Pen-y-bont (h), while Newtown will need to face The New Saints (h) and Flint Town United (a) before the end of the season.
League form:
Bala Town: ✅✅✅➖✅
Newtown: ❌✅✅✅✅
BOTTOM SIX
Aberystwyth Town (9th) v Cefn Druids (12th) | Friday – 14:30
Last week it was announced that both Llantwit Major (1st) and Pontypridd (2nd) of the JD Cymru South had failed to secure the domestic license that is necessary to play in the JD Cymru Premier.
Both clubs are likely to appeal the decision, which means it is still uncertain if two clubs will be relegated from the top-flight this summer.
Cefn Druids are definitely relegated as Airbus UK have secured the domestic license after winning the JD Cymru North championship.
Cefn Druids have just six points to their name this season and are in danger of breaking their own record as one of the worst teams to ever play in the JD Cymru Premier.
Aberystwyth Town had won seven on the bounce against the Druids before their 3-3 draw last month, and with the Black & Greens only two points above the relegation zone, Antonio Corbisiero will be desperate not to drop any more points against the Ancients this Friday.
League form:
Aberystwyth Town: ❌✅❌✅➖
Cefn Druids: ❌✅❌❌❌
Connah’s Quay (10th) v Cardiff Met (7th) | Friday – 14:30
A 1-1 draw at Jenner Park last Saturday ensured that Connah’s Quay remain level on points with Barry Town United (11th) in the relegation battle.
The Nomads are on a run of nine league games without defeat (won six, drawn three), while Cardiff Met have won only twice in their last 12 outings.
But the students go into the game knowing that a win would cement their place in the league for next season.
There hasn’t been much between these two teams recently as the last four meetings have ended in draws, with the last three finishing goalless.
League form:
Connah’s Quay: ✅➖✅✅➖
Cardiff Met: ➖❌✅❌➖
Haverfordwest County (8th) v Barry Town United (11th) | Friday – 14:30
Barry Town United are in real danger of losing their JD Cymru Premier status after failing to beat 10-man Connah’s Quay on Saturday.
But the Dragons have lost just one of their last five games and have massive fixtures ahead against Aberystwyth Town (h) and Cefn Druids (a).
Following their 6-1 victory at Cefn Druids on Saturday, another three points for Haverfordwest County this Friday would secure their place in the JD Cymru Premier.
League form:
Haverfordwest County: ✅➖❌❌✅
Barry Town United: ➖❌✅✅➖
Highlights will be available on Sgorio’s online accounts.