Two of the JD Welsh Premier League’s ‘big four’ go head to head tonight as last season’s runners up Connah’s Quay host Bala Town at the Deeside Stadium.
The Nomads are coming off successive defeats after an extra-time defeat up in Scotland against Dumbarton saw them make an early exit from the Irn-Bru Cup. A week earlier they were an early red card to defender Mike Pearson proved costly as they were beaten by Llandudno in the WPL.
Connah’s Quay have big ambitions long-term making seven full-time professional signings this summer as the club look to transition themselves into a full-time outfit.
Both Connah’s Quay and Bala Town are expected to be serious contenders for a European spot; driven by the financial reward of qualification, both clubs earned a cool £197,00 in prize money for their first qualifying round appearances in the UEFA Europa League this summer.
Bala defender Will Bell is confident of his side’s ability going into the game.
“Quay will be a well organised well drilled side with experienced players throughout their squad.
“We just have to think about ourselves and worry about our game plan. We have enough quality in our squad to win any game in front of us if we go about our jobs the right way.”
The Lakesiders are rested having been without a fixture over the international break but will be looking to build on their impressive win over Cardiff Met.
Llandudno remain unbeaten after a hard-fought draw with Prestatyn. Visiting Prestatyn quickly replied through Jack Kenny after Danny Hughes’ looping shot beat Carl Jones.
Prestatyn then themselves ahead in the second-half when Ben Maher head in and came close to adding a third but were thwarted twice in succession by Dave Roberts. Llandudno then immediately broke for substitute Lee Thomas to equalising, sliding in Toby Jones’ cross to convert.
Llandudno 2-2 Prestatyn, Connah’s Quay v Bala Town (Fri), The New Saints v Cefn Druids (Fri), Aberystwyth v Cardiff Met (Sat), Bangor City v Carmarthen Town (Sat), Barry Town v Newtown (Sat).
Featured image courtesy of Bala Town FC / Welsh Premier League
