Trefelin BGC, the only unbeaten team in Welsh League football, are battling it out leaders Swansea University for the Third Division title.
Manager Richard Ryan’s Trefelin team are unbeaten in 22 matches following their 5-2 win at Ely Rangers in midweek.
Jordan Edwards (2), Travis Monks-Landeg, Darren Thomas and captain Ceri Williams were the scorers at Ely, who made a sensation start and powered into a 2-0 lead at their Station Road, Wenvoe ground.
Ely were still leading at half-time, but Trefelin finished strongly to win and they are four points behind leaders Swansea University with a game in hand.
The crunch clash will come on Wednesday, April 25 when Trefelin travel to play the students at Sketty Stadium. Swansea Uni were beaten 2-1 at Ynys Park earlier this season – and how Trefelin would love to complete a double against their title rivals.
Trefelin are, like First Division Llanelli Town, still chasing a trophy double.
Both teams are through to the Nathaniel Car Sales League Cup semi-finals – and could clash in the final.
Llanelli, where Andy Hill is manager, are top of Division One, intent on earning promotion to Welsh Premier League football and play Cwmbran Celtic in the cup semi-final. That tie will be played on Tuesday, April 10.
Pontypridd Town take on Trefelin in the second semi-final on Wednesday April 11, a match which will be played at Aberdare Town.
Trefelin have defeated a team from a higher division in every round on their way to the last four, winning against Division Two leaders STM Sports away 1-0 in their quarter-final.
Trefelin, who are in their second season of Welsh League football, finished 12th in Division Three last season, and then appointed Richard Ryan manager at Ynys Park.
The former Bridgend Town and Goytre United striker won five Welsh League titles as a player and has transformed the fortunes of Trefelin since he took charge last summer.
The cup run has been a delightful aside for the club, but Ryan insists: “The league is our priority. It has been since day one.
“The players have been brilliant for me, while the club itself is something special. From the committee, to the coaching staff, to the chairman and even the women working behind the bar.
“Division Three is strong and difficult, packed with dangerous teams who can all hurt you on their day. I’ve been surprised by the standard at this level and it’s been a good learning curve for everyone, including myself.”
“Teams tend to give an extra 20 per cent against us, but I keep reminding the boys that we have to be physically and mentally strong enough to deal with that.”
Ryan, now aged 34, was a prolific goalscorer during his playing days, scored 54 in one season and led the Welsh League scoring charts for eight consecutive seasons.
He played for Port Talbot from youth level and gained Welsh Premier League experience with that club and Aberystwyth Town.
Ryan retained the Trefelin coaching staff – Robert Cockings, Chris Latham and David Morgan – and said: “They all have Trefelin in their blood.
“They are genuine football men and, along with the chairman Steve Green, work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the club keeps going forward.
“I was so impressed with the people at the club and their passion to succeed. That their ambitions match mine and that made my decision an easy one.”
All remaining Welsh League and Cup fixtures for Trefelin BGC this season:
April
Wednesday 4 v Caerau (home, 6.30pm)
Saturday 7 v Caerau (away, 2.30pm)
Wednesday 11 v Pontypridd Town (Nathaniel League Cup semi-final, at Aberdare Town FC, 7.30pm)
Saturday 14 v Bridgend Street (home, 2.30pm)
Friday 20 v Ynysygerwn (away, 7.30pm)
Wednesday 25 v Swansea University FC (away, 7.30pm)
Saturday 28 v Panted (away, 2.30pm)
May
Saturday 5 v Treharris Athletic Western (home, 2.30pm)
Saturday 12 v Tredegar Town (away, 2.30pm)
Welsh League results:
Division One:
Saturday: Cwmamman United v Undy Athletic, postponed; Goytre v Afan Lido, postponed; Monmouth Town v Haverfordwest County, postponed; Port Talbot Town 0, Caerau Ely 0; Taffs Well 0, Briton Ferry Llansawel 0.
Friday: Goytre United v Cwmbran Celtic, postponed.
Division Two: Aberbargoed Buds 4, AFC Porth 0; Abergavenny Town 2, Pontardawe Town 0; AFC LLwydcoed v Garden Village, postponed; Ammanford 3, Aberdare Town 1; Croesyceiliog v Caldicot Town 0; Llantwit Major v STM Sports, postponed; West End 0, Pontypridd Town 4.
Division Three: Caerau v Bridgend Street, postponed; Chepstow v Tredegar Town, postponed; Panteg v Treharris Athletic Western, Penrhiwceiber Rangers 1, Pontyclub 4, Treowen Stars v Ely Rangers, postponed.
Welsh League Fixtures over next two weeks – Division Three
April:
Tuesday 3: Bridgend Street v Ely Rangers (6.15pm), Treharris Athletic Western v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (6.15pm).
Wednesday 4: Panted v Neuadd Wen (6.15pm), Trefelin Boys and Girls Club v Caerau (6.30pm).
Friday 6: Ely Rangers v Trethomas Bluebirds (7.30pm).
Saturday 7: Bridgend Street v Swansea University (2.30pm), Caerau v Trefelin BGC (2.30pm), Panteg v Newport City (2.30pm), Pontyclun v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (2.30pm), Treharris Athletic Western v Ynysygerwn (2.30pm), TReowen Stars v Tredegar Town (7.30pm).
Monday 9: Trethomas Bluebirds v Treharris Athletic Western (7.30pm).
Tuesday 10: Treowen Stars v Neauadd Wen (6.15pm).
Wednesday 11: Panted v Tredegar Town v Tredegar Town (6.30pm), Pontyclun v Bridgend Street (6.15pm), Trethomas Bluebirds v Penrhiwceiber Rangers (8pm).
Thursday 12: Chepstow Town v Swansea University (6.30pm), Treharris Athletic Western v Neauadd Wenn (6.30pm).
Friday 13: Ely Rangers v Ynysygerwn (6.30pm).
WELSH LEAGUE DIVISION THREE TOP 10
| POS | NAME | P | W | D | L | PTS | |
| 1 | Swansea University | 23 | 19 | 3 | 1 | 60 | |
| 2 | Trefelin Boys & Girls Club | 22 | 17 | 5 | 0 | 56 | |
| 3 | Bridgend Street | 19 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 41 | |
| 4 | Trethomas Bluebirds | 23 | 10 | 5 | 8 | 35 | |
| 5 | Newport City | 25 | 8 | 4 | 13 | 28 | |
| 6 | Pontyclun | 18 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 27 | |
| 7 | Caerau | 19 | 9 | 0 | 10 | 27 | |
| 8 | Tredegar Town | 18 | 7 | 5 | 6 | 26 | |
| 9 | Ynysygerwn | 20 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 25 | |
| 10 | Penrhiwceiber Rangers | 17 | 7 | 2 | 8 | 23 |
