Premier Preview


Looking for 1st win

By Robert Stock
January 23 2004

We look ahead to this weekend's Welsh Premier action. We preview every game with the latest news from both squads, and give our humble opinion on who will celebrating and drowning their sorrows come Saturday evening. Friday

              PREMIER PREVIEW
Our weekly guide to the weekend's Welsh Premier games. Please keep re-visiting this page, as we will be updating it until Friday evening each week when all squad news is in. If you would like to preview your team's game please send them in to wpwebmaster@uk2.net 

                                 Friday, 23rd January
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Haverfordwest County  v  Afan Lido
Haverfordwest maintain their push for a European spot with a home tie over struggling Afan Lido. Lido were rocked by the news this week that they are to be charged by the FAW for their role in trouble in a recent game with TNS. Lido also have on the field problems with Paul Evans and Chris Pridham both suspended, whilst Andrew Pearson is still recovering from injury. Stephen Parry is doubtful for the trip to the New Bridge Meadow.

County, who have never beaten Lido at home, have a full squad to choose from, giving manager Deryn Brace a welcome selection problem
Our Prediction: 4-1 Your Prediction:
Port Talbot Town  v  Carmarthen Town
Port Talbot are without suspended Nathan Wigg and the injured Craig Lima for the visit of struggling Carmarthen Town at Victoria Road. Talbot were frustrated by the postponement of last Saturday's clash at Connah's Quay as they look to climb the table.
Our Prediction: 1-0 Your Prediction:
                              Saturday, 24th January
Aberystwyth Town  v  Connah’s Quay Nomads
Aberystwyth are without long-term absentees Glyndwr Hughes and Gari Lewis, whilst Andy Lee and player-manager Gary Finley are both rated as doubtful, which could mean a re-call for striker Marc Lloyd-Williams. The Greens will be desperate to return to winning ways following last Saturday's defeat at 2nd placed Rhyl.

Nomads will have the services of top scorer Tommy Mutton, who would have been unavailable if last Saturday's game with Port Talbot had not been called off, and will be looking to gain revenge for their 4-0 reverse to Aber at the Deeside Stadium earlier in the season.
Our Prediction: 2-1 Your Prediction:
Barry Town  v  Rhyl
Barry boss David Hughes has expressed his club's desperation for their first win of the season as they reach a vital point in the season, with the Dragons rooted to the foot of the table, 10 points adrift of Carmarthen. Hughes is still shaping his squad, with virtually a whole new squad needing time to gel.

Meanwhile visitors Rhyl are on a high following a fine 5-3 win over Aberystwyth at Belle Vue last Saturday. Lilywhites' manager John Hulse will be expecting nothing but a win if they are to keep the pressure on league leaders TNS. It is hard to see them slipping up.
Our Prediction: 0-2 Your Prediction:
Caernarfon Town  v  Caersws
Caernarfon will be hoping new striker Steve Watkin continues his scoring spree since joining the club as they look to push into the top five.

Meanwhile, Caersws could visit the Oval with thoughts on Wednesday's money-spinning Premier Cup Quarter Final against Swansea City at the Recreation Ground.
Our Prediction: 2-1 Your Prediction:
NEWI Cefn Druids  v  Welshpool Town
Druids manager Steve O'Shaughnessy is banned from the touchline for this game following comments made to an assistant referee during last week's defeat at Afan Lido. He is further hindered by a foot injury which is effecting Brett Jeffries, which has left O'Shaughnessy unable to pick his team - or tactics - until last minute. Rookies Gareth Evans and Sean Jones are on standby should Jeffries not make the squad. The Ancients have had an inconsistent season, and a win is a must in this 6 pointer if they are to push for a Premier Cup place.

Welshpool include former Druids starlet Craig Wilkinson, with the former Preston youth player making a welcome return to Plaskynaston Lane, where he was a big favourite of Ancient's fans.
Our Prediction: 4-1 Your Prediction:
Newtown  v  Cwmbran Town
Roger Preece has made a good start to his managerial career, with the Robins lying in 7th position, with at least two games in hand over every team above them. The game is all the more attractive as his predecessor, Brian Coyne returns to Latham Park with his struggling Cwmbran side.
Our Prediction: 4-0 Your Prediction:
CPD Porthmadog  v  T.N.S.
Porthmadog will be hoping their good home form will be able to cause an upset when league leaders T.N.S. visit Y Traeth. They face a tricky encounter, as the Saints have a full squad to choose from, although they could benefit from the Saints having their minds on Tuesday night's televised Premier Cup Quarter Final against Wrexham at Treflan.
Our Prediction: 0-0 Your Prediction:
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