The JD Welsh Premier League is in a healthy state according to ‘one of the most powerful men in the Welsh game’, Osian Roberts.
Roberts, now FAW technical director and assistant national team manager to Ryan Giggs, formerly managed Porthmadog in the Welsh Premier early in his coaching career.
And he believes the national league is entering an exciting era as a three-way title race begins to unfold.
A single point separates the top-three teams after 12 rounds, with Connah’s Quay and Barry Town breathing down The New Saints’ neck.
“It’s exciting times,” said Roberts. “You look at The New Saints, the ones that set the standard year in, year out, but the Nomads are closing that gap – there’s no doubt with what Andy Morrison is doing there.
“Bala will always be there competitively. And Barry Town, the work Gavin Chesterfield has done at Barry, it’s going to be interesting and hopefully we’ll have a race until the end of the season.
“The league is ultra-tight this season so far. The standard has risen so much and that’s evident in every game, every weekend.”
The New Saints visit Aberystwyth Town on Friday night looking to preserve their lead but could be without midfielder Danny Redmond who is considered doubtful.
It’s been over 11 years since Aberystwyth recorded a win over The New Saints but with back-to-back wins under their belts, the Seasiders are looking to continue their push for a top-six position.
Connah’s Quay entertain bottom side Llanelli on Saturday keen to repeat their 7-0 victory over the Reds on the opening weekend of the season.
The Nomads are without skipper George Horan as his injury frustrations continue, while winger Ryan Wignall serves a one-match ban.
Barry Town, third, will have the opportunity to pounce on any mistake from the top-two on Sunday when they host Llandudno.
Gavin Chesterfield has a fully fit squad available with Llandudno looking to snap a winless run of six WPL matches.
Newtown, fourth, travel to Cefn Druids while Bala Town, fifth, face sixth-placed Cardiff Met on Saturday evening in the weekend’s live TV game.
Carmarthen Town host Caernarfon Town with both teams coming off hard-fought draws last weekend.
Friday (7.45): Aberystwyth v The New Saints, Cefn Druids v Newtown. Saturday (2.30): Carmarthen v Caernarfon, Connah’s Quay v Llanelli, Bala Town v Cardiff Met (7.30, TV game). Sunday: Barry Town v Llandudno.
NATHANIEL MG CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW
League Cup giant-killers Cambrian & Clydach will face their biggest test yet as they bid to become the first Welsh League team to reach the Nathaniel Cup final.
After adding Newtown to the list of Welsh Premier League teams they’ve eliminated from the competition this season, Cambrian have drawn current holders The New Saints at home in the semi-final.
Cardiff Met, last year’s runners-up, are also a game away from making another final appearance. Christian Edwards’ side will first need to find a way past Connah’s Quay at the Deeside Stadium.
