Llandudno v Aberystwyth Town: Match Preview

JD Welsh Premier League 
Saturday 20th October (2:30p.m Kick Off)
Llandudno v Aberystwyth Town 

Aberystwyth Town will look to build on the hard-fought point they earned at home to Caernarfon last weekend as they travel to face Llandudno in their first of two consecutive away fixtures in the JD Welsh Premier League on Saturday. The black and greens battled against the elements and a well organised Caernarfon side last Friday to earn a valuable JD Welsh Premier League point but came away slightly rueful of their missed chances that would have seen them close the gap on the league’s top six with victory.

After Friday's draw, assistant manager Gavin Allen commented on the seasiders' performance in a positive manner, stating; "Our performances have been a lot more solid and disciplined in the last two weeks, which is positive. I thought the back five were magnificent tonight and off the ball we look a lot better as a team, which is what we've been working on". Indeed, the statistics indicate that Aber's defensive structure has improved significantly in recent weeks - conceding just two goals in their last three JD Welsh Premier League fixtures. 

Allen admitted it's in the final third of the pitch the black and greens must now improve if they are to push for a top six finish when the league splits in January. "We created a lot more opportunities in front of goal than last week, but we're in a period at the moment where the ball just isn't quite dropping for us and we can't quite put the ball in the back of the net, which is something we'll continue to work and improve upon". 

Town go into this weekend's fixture at Llandudno in eighth place in the league table, but still just four points off a top six position. They now face two crucial away fixtures, starting at the Giant Hospitality Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Llanelli in 7 days' time, in which they will look to pick up valuable points in their chase for a top half finish in January. 

Saturday's hosts Llandudno enter the game on a poor run of form, after losing their last four consecutive JD Welsh Premier League fixtures. They currently lie in 10th place in the league table, and manager Iwan Williams admitted his disappointment at his players' performances so far this season on Wednesday evening, stating; "I've protected the players for long enough now, and some individuals have got to start stepping up and showing some fight, because I feel like pulling my boots back on and fighting for the club at the moment". The north Wales outfit always provide a stern test at the Giant Hospitality Stadium, and have a number of experienced Welsh Premier League players like Kai Edwards, Mike Pearson and Danny Hughes amongst their ranks. 

In the reverse clash between the sides on the opening day of the season, a Declan Walker screamer was enough to separate the sides as Rio Ahmadi went in goal for the final 30 minutes in a mad 1-0 win for the black and greens. Aber will hope for a similar outcome on Saturday as they look to close the gap on the top six - kick off at The Giant Hospitality Stadium is at 2:30p.m and Llandudno's address is listed as LL30 1HH.