​It’s Back On: Aber’s Top Six Hopes Still Alive as Port Talbot Visit on Friday Night

Dafabet Welsh Premier League
Friday 8th January (ko 7.45pm)
Aberystwyth Town v Port Talbot Town

Aberystwyth Town host Port Talbot Town on Friday night for a vital Welsh Premier game with their Top Six hopes rejuvenated by a series of favourable results elsewhere in the Dafabet WPL. Everything seemed as black as black last Friday when a late free kick earned Haverfordwest all three points at Park Avenue, but Aber’s immediate rivals Connah’s Quay, Newtown and Carmarthen have all lost in the intervening period, meaning that the Black and Greens’ fate is back in their own hands.

Anything between four and six points could be enough, but Ian Hughes’ men must return to form this Friday to keep their hopes alive, and will be confident of doing so with such a tantalising reward beckoning. Top Six Qualification brings with it a guaranteed place in the UEFA Europa League Play Offs at the end of the season, and ten high profile matches against the best sides in the League.

Visitors Port Talbot Town are on a difficult run of form at the moment but Andy Dyer’s men did encourage their loyal supporters last weekend with a decent performance at Carmarthen which earned a point in a 0-0 draw.

Aber will be looking to 11 goal Top Scorer Chris Venables for inspiration in front of goal, with Geoff Kellaway’s trademark bursts of speed also likely to prove important. Rhys Griffiths and Luke Sherbon, if fit to return, will of course be powerful influences on any game they are involved in, although Ross Stephens looks doubtful after a hamstring injury last weekend. Antonio Corbisiero and Cledan Davies will also have roles to play in Midfield and Aber’s back four of Sion James, Stuart Jones, Lee Surman and Craig Williams will need to return to the excellent form they displayed until Boxing Day, and with Mike Lewis keeping the back door locked behind them Aber certainly have a talented squad which is fully capable of getting the results they need.

New Club Media Assistant Owain Evans has recruited a Barmy Army from Penweddig’s Sixth Form to cheer the Black and Greens on from the Dias Stand, so it could be a lively evening! Aber could still finish the First Phase on a massive high, and the next two games will decide their fate, so don’t miss out on the First Instalment on Friday. Admission costs £6 for Adults, £4 Concession and £1 for Kids, and kick off is at 7.45pm.

---