The upcoming days promise to bring excitement to the JD Cymru Leagues as teams gear up for pivotal matches this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. With 2024 bidding farewell and 2025 welcoming fresh hopes, fans can expect more than just the countdown to midnight.
On New Year’s Eve, Bala Town will take on Caernarfon Town at Maes Tegid at 12:30 pm. This match is packed with significance, particularly as both teams aim to secure positions within the coveted top six of the JD Cymru Premier standings. Bala has showcased impressive form, registering back-to-back victories against The New Saints and Barry Town United earlier this month, which has revitalized their campaign.
Holding fifth place with their latest results, Bala currently finds itself well-positioned but needs every point with just one match remaining after this contest. Caernarfon, only one point behind them and sixth on the table, is just managing to stay afloat, thanks to only goal difference separating them from Barry Town, who lurk closely behind. Recent defeats to Aberystwyth and The New Saints have left Caernarfon slightly anxious about their current standing.
Adding intensity to this fixture is the memory of their last encounter back in August, which ended without any goals scored. Fans are hoping this match will break the draw streak between the two sides, who have faced each other five times previously without decisive results.
Bringing the New Year’s Day fixtures, Flint Town United plans to host Newtown at 2:30 pm, as both teams find themselves embroiled at the lower end of the table. Flint slipped below the relegation line after suffering heavy defeat at the hands of Connah’s Quay Nomads, landing them at risk due to poor performance this season. Likewise, Newtown, who only months ago were chasing for top placement, now sit precariously two points above the relegation zone due to equally dismal results.
A passion-filled reminiscence marks their previous meeting, where Flint triumphed with four different players netting goals for a 4-2 victory, reviving hopes for the Silkmen as they strive for survival.
Shifting focus to the JD Cymru North, Gresford Athletic will face Ruthin Town on January 1st at 2:00 pm, as the relegation scrap intensifies. Gresford's recent uplift from the bottom three carries momentum as they secured victory against Caersws. Conversely, Ruthin’s situation weighs heavier with six games without wins, placing them precariously above the relegation line.
Next up, Llandudno will challenge reigning champions Holywell Town, also on January 1st, as both sides come off with since strong previous forms. Llandudno, bolstered by recent victories, will aim to continue thriving against their seasoned opponents.
Diving south, Carmarthen Town will host Ammanford, hoping to flip their recent loss streak and push beyond mid-table tensions. Meanwhile, Taffs Well’s match against Penrhiwceiber Rangers sees both teams desperately seeking points, jostling to escape relegation threats. The upcoming derby holds potential to flip the momentum for either team.
Match officials have been confirmed to control these intense battles ensuring fair play throughout. Notably, Nicholas Pratt will lead the Bala vs. Caernarfon match as referee alongside assistants Ceri Williams and Steffan Davies. Conversely, James Walker takes charge of Flint versus Newtown, with the top-pairing officiated well throughout the season.
With every match proving to be of utmost importance as teams fight for survival and glory, the anticipation grows. While fans look to experience nail-biting encounters, aspiring referees are also encouraged to engage with officiation through the FAW Referee Award, opening avenues for anyone interested.
The excitement brewing this New Year’s weekend is palpable, and with such stakes at every turn, the coming matches are not to be missed!