The most interesting local derby is that at Farrar Road, where Bangor City entertain Caernarfon Town. This time last year, Bangor were near the top and Caernarfon in a relegation spot. This year, though, the Cofis are flying high, while Bangor have not had the best of seasons. Local derbies often mean that the form book should be dismissed, and today will certainly see a lot of blood and thunder at Farrar Road,. However, Caernarfon's continued good form is no fluke, and they should be too good for the home side.
Another local derby is between Newtown and Caersws at Latham Park. The two clubs met in the Welsh Cup quarter-final last year in front of a large crowd, and with Newtown on the fringes of the European race, there's no reason that there should be any fewer there today. Despite indifferent form in recent weeks and Caersws being more than able to hold their own, the home side should win the day today.
Conwy United entertain Rhyl at the Morfa, following a switch in venue. The previous two years games have been played at Belle Vue, and the clubs decided for a change this year. Conwy have shown impressive form at home recently, and should win at home against their neighbours. Rhyl have yet to look genuinely confident, despite a victory over Aberystwyth in the League of Wales a few weeks ago.
The Deeside derby is different this year, with Holywell Town replacing Flint Town United against Connah's Quay Nomads. At Halkyn Road, it may well be a close game, with neither side having shown good form in past weeks.
Aberystwyth will see Haverfordwest County journeying up the coast road to visit Park Avenue. The home side will be more than eager to make up for their recent poor form by defeating the West Walian club, and will be looking to make up ground on the clubs above them, as well as keep themselves a few points clear of the sides beneath them. Haverfordwest have slipped several places in the past month, and will be trying to move back up the table. A draw may well be the result.
At Richmond Park, Afan Lido are the visitors to Carmarthen Town. The fortunes of the two struggling South Walian sides have been looking up recently, with Carmarthen winning two on the trot, and Afan Lido finally winning a match at home. Favourites for the points have to be the rejuvenated Carmarthen side, who know that a win could see them up amongst the race for a European or Premier Cup spot. Afan Lido need the points to move them away from the bottom of the table, but despite that, Carmarthen have to be the favourites.
The final game is that in Llansantffraid, where Total Network Solutions take on Rhayader Town. Despite being one of the LoW's draw specialists, T.N.S remain near the top of the table, and points today will see them stay in touch with the chasing pack. However, Rhayader have been looking good in recent weeks, despite the loss of their manager, and may force T.N.S' eighth draw of the LoW season.
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This page edited by the Yellow Dragon, 1998.
This article first published in the Barry Town matchday magazine, v Inter Cabletel, 26.12.1998
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