The new season has arrived and it will all kick off on Friday with the mid-Wales derby between the only two clubs that have been ever-present since the formation of the league in 1992.
Friday, 9 August
Newtown v Aberystwyth Town | Friday – 19:45
It has been a summer of big changes for Newtown since the club failed to reach Europe after doing so for the previous two seasons.
To continue playing in Europe, defenders Ryan Sears and Matthew Jones have both left Latham Park for Caernarfon Town, while Louis Robles has returned to Bala Town.
Aberystwyth Town will be hoping to avoid another season flirting with relegation, as the Black and Greens managed to dodge the drop on the final day for the second year in a row.
Newtown are on a six game unbeaten run against Aberystwyth Town (won five, drawn one), but the games were tight last season with a goalless draw at Latham Park in August, before Matthew Jones scored the only goal of the game for the Robins at Park Avenue in November.
Scott Ruscoe will be hoping his side can respond immediately after losing on penalties against Caernarfon in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend, while Aberystwyth are through to the next round following a 2-0 win at Colwyn Bay.
Saturday, 10 August
Barry Town United v Bala Town | Saturday – 14:30
Barry Town United have been busy over the summer strengthening the squad with the latest addition, Robbie Willmott certainly a name that will the excite Jenner Park enthusiasts.
Willmott played almost 300 games for Newport County over a period of nine seasons and his experience will be key if Barry Town United want to try to compete for a place in the Top Six this year.
There was heartbreak for Bala Town in Europe over the summer with the club losing in extra time against Paide Linnameeskond from Estonia in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League.
Bala Town finished third last season and that will be the target once again for Colin Caton’s team, and with Louis Robles and Lassana Mendes having returned to the attacking line, the Lakesiders will be expected to threaten towards the top of the table.
Barry Town United were a little fortunate to defeat Llanelli on penalties in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend, and Bala Town have also progressed after a tight contest against Ruthin Town where 17-year-old Thomas Hughes scored the only goal of the game for the Lakesiders.
Flint Town United v Cardiff Met | Saturday – 14:30
Flint Town United have bounced straight back up to the JD Cymru Premier after one season in the JD Cymru North.
Holywell Town were the champions of the 2023/24 JD Cymru North, but as they failed to secure a license for promotion, Flint Town United, who finished as runners-up have taken their place.
It will be interesting to see how Cardiff Met will perform this year after saying goodbye to Emlyn Lewis and Kyle McCarthy over the summer, two defenders who have been stalwarts at the club since their promotion in 2016.
Lewis Rees scored in both games against Flint Town United in the 2022/23 season as the students won 1-0 in September before drawing 1-1 at Cae-y-Castell in December.
Flint Town United lost 5-1 against The New Saints in the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend, and a late goal from Lewis Rees was needed to secure a 3-2 win for Cardiff Met away to Llantwit Major.
Sunday, 11 August
Connah’s Quay v Haverfordwest County | Sunday – 14:30
It was a frustrating summer for Connah’s Quay who lost in extra time in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League against NK Bravo from Slovenia.
The Nomads have lost several influential players over the summer, including their top scorer Jordan Davies, goalkeeper Andy Firth and the experienced Michael Wilde.
Haverfordwest County have also lost one of their main stars as Kai Whitmore left Bridge Meadow to join Newport County in League Two.
But Ben Ahmun and Kyle McCarthy have joined the Bluebirds, who will be determined to reach the Top Six after coming so close last season.
Haverfordwest County have won two of their previous three games against Connah’s Quay, which should give Tony Pennock’s side plenty of confidence ahead of their trip to the north east on Sunday.
Connah’s Quay and Haverfordwest County have booked their places in the third round of the Nathaniel MG Cup after comfortable victories last weekend (Buckley 0-3 Connah’s Quay, Carmarthen 0-5 Haverfordwest).
Briton Ferry Llansawel v Pen-y-bont | Sunday – 17:10 (S4C)
Briton Ferry Llansawel have been promoted to the top-flight after securing the 2023/24 JD Cymru South championship.
There will be pressure on experienced forward Luke Bowen to lead the team this year, even though he has not played in the JD Cymru Premier for the last five years.
Pen-y-bont will be disappointed to have failed to reach Europe after losing in the play-off final against Caernarfon Town last season.
A return to the Top Six will be the first objective for Pen-y-bont this year, while Briton Ferry Llansawel will be hoping to avoid the drop in their first season since their promotion.
The teams met last weekend in the second round of the Nathaniel MG Cup and Pen-y-bont were victorious, winning 3-0 away from home despite playing half the game a man short after full-back Mael Davies was sent off at the start of the second half.
The highlights of the games will be available on Sgorio’s social websites and the best of the weekend’s action on S4C on Monday night.
