ABERYSTWYTH TOWN vs CARDIFF MET: MATCH PREVIEW

ABERYSTWYTH TOWN vs CARDIFF MET: MATCH PREVIEW

Aberystwyth Town vs Cardiff Metropolitan University
JD Cymru Premier
Saturday 12th September (KO 14.30)
MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Competitive football finally returns to Park Avenue on Saturday afternoon with the visit of Cardiff Metropolitan University for the first JD Cymru Premier match of the 2020/21 season. It has been a long six months since the Black & Greens’ last league match, a 2-2 draw at Cefn Druids, and the intervening period has seen a number of changes at the club. Most notably, Gavin Allen has moved up from Assistant Manager to become Manager, with Matthew Bishop becoming Football Consultant.

Gavin explained in his first interview as Aberystwyth Town manager that he was looking to change the culture of the club: “I’m looking at the youth, I’m looking at the kids that we’ve got coming through. It’s a project at the club at this moment in time – for the next few years. We’re also looking for players that been in the pro game and have the desire to get back into the pro game. It will be a young squad this year, but it will be a fit squad”.

The Black & Greens recruitment drive for 2020/21 has therefore seen the addition of defenders Sam Barnes & Rhys Davies; midfielders Jamie Veale, Gwion Owen & Steven Hewitt and forwards Owain Jones and George Harry. In addition to the new recruits, local boys Jack Rimmer, Jonathan Evans & Harri Rowe all return to the club having impressed in the Cymru North & South Leagues last season, alongside first-time Seasider Steff Davies.

A limited pre-season has seen Aber play a number of games behind closed doors - home matches against Haverfordwest County & Market Drayton Town. After a 2-1 defeat to Haverfordwest, the Market Drayton match saw an impressive display, with a Steff Davies brace securing a 2-0 victory against opponents from the English non-league system.

Manager Gavin Allen explained after that match that the team would step up preparations for their return to action this week with a couple of training sessions followed by the squad taking advantage of a method of communication that has become popular during the Covid-19 situation, and conducting a Zoom call to discuss specifics ahead of Saturday’s match.

Looking ahead to the start of the season, Allen commented “It is vital that you get off to a good start. We’ve got a young squad, its all about confidence and if you can build on the confidence, hopefully we can progress”.

Cardiff Met have also warmed up for their return to action with a win and a draw. Their most recent friendly saw them defeat Cardiff City’s Under 23 side 1-0, after a 2-1 defeat at Newtown on August 29th. They are, of course, managed by well-respected former Aberystwyth Town defender Dr. Christian Edwards, who has overseen a remarkable rise during his time at the club, culminating in last year’s playoff final win against Bala Town and an appearance in the Europa League.

Cardiff Met always provide a stern test for any team in the Cymru Premier and Saturday’s game is guaranteed to be competitive, exciting and unpredictable as top-level Welsh football returns after its 6-month absence.

Unfortunately, supporters cannot be admitted into Park Avenue to watch the game due to Covid-19 regulations. However, you can follow all the action via the regular updates on our Twitter page @AberystwythTown. All at Aberystwyth Town Football Club thank the Green Army for you continued support throughout this unprecedented period. We look forward immensely to welcoming you all back once it is safe to do so.

Football is back!​ Read the official matchday programme “The Seasider” HERE