It is going to be a busy Bank Holiday for the JD Cymru Premier with a double-dose of games on Friday night and Monday.
It will be a weekend that will show whether or not the current top three clubs, Caernarfon Town, Briton Ferry Llansawel and Barry Town United, have got what it takes to mount a lasting challenge this season.
They are among eight unbeaten teams – Cardiff Met, Colwyn Bay, Bala Town, Connah’s Quay Nomads and Flint Town United have all drawn their games to date – with the top three from last season all having lost once.
Caernarfon’s 6-1 demolition job on new boys Llanelli Town last weekend ensured they went to the top of the table and they face Flint Town United on Friday night before hosting Bala Town on Monday.
Adam Davies has hit the ground running for them up front with four goals in three games to date – a hat-trick against Llanelli and a goal in the Nathaniel MG Cup – while Connor Roberts is settling in as the new goalkeeper after his change of heart in the summer about retiring.
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Goalkeeper Connor Roberts, who announced his retirement from professional football after helping The New Saints win the domestic treble last season, has joined Caernarfon Town.
The 32-year-old decided to call it a day after sweeping the board with TNS last season, citing mental health issues after his father took his own life. Wales manager Craig Bellamy then called him to his training camp in Spain at the end of the season and he suddenly had a change of heart.
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The Wrexham-born shot-stopper began his career at Everton and had spells at clubs including Fulham, Cheltenham Town and Bangor City before joining TNS in 2018. His experience and talent could prove invaluable to the Cofis this season.
Andy Dyer’s Briton Ferry side head to Llanelli Town tonight in what will be a battle between last seasons’ JD Cymru South champions against the predecessors. Llanelli have already conceded eight goals in their first two outings in the top flight as they look to find their feet in the top-flight.
The Ferrymen then host Haverfordwest County on Monday seeking to take another top-three scalp from last season after their stunning 3-0 win at TNS on the opening day of the season. Llanelli, meanwhile, travel to Penybont on Monday.
Barry Town United welcome Penybont to Jenner Park tonight and then go to Cardiff Met to round off their weekend. The Archers are at Haverfordwest County tonight.
Having recovered from their opening day defeat to Briton Ferry with a 2-0 win at Penybont last weekend, TNS meet Connah’s Quay Nomads at Park Hall in a repeat of last season’s JD Welsh Cup final. They then go to Colwyn Bay on Monday.
