Aberystwyth Town v Pontypridd United: Match Preview

JD Cymru Premier 
Friday 18th November (KO 8pm)
Aberystwyth Town vs Pontypridd United 

Anthony Williams’ Aberystwyth Town return to JD Cymru Premier action this Friday looking to record a fifth home league victory in a row, with Pontypridd United the visitors for an 8pm KO at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue. 

Aber's excellent home form was dented somewhat by a home defeat in the JD Welsh Cup to Newtown last Saturday, but it was a tight game which could have swung either way, and the Black and Greens will be keen to return with a positive result tomorrow evening.

This will be the first time Pontypridd United have visited Ceredigion in the Cymru Premier, following their promotion to the top flight at the end of last season as Cymru South Runners-up. Following promotion, Anthony Stokes replaced Jonathan Jones as Manager, and the new man in charge has led his team to 4 wins from their first 13 JD Cymru Premier matches; two of these coming in their last 5 games including an impressive 3-1 victory over Caernarfon Town in early October. 

Stokes has assembled a squad with plenty of Cymru Premier experience with recognisable names such as former Penybont & Bala goalkeeper Ashley Morris, ex-Barry Town United pair Clayton Green and Luke Cummings, Joe Evans from Cardiff Met and former Carmarthen Town defender Dave Vincent all now at USW Sport Park. One player who will need no introduction to the Black & Green faithful is Owain Jones, who spent the last two seasons at Park Avenue before moving to Pontypridd in the summer. Owain made 41 league appearances in that time, bagging 7 league goals. Last weekend, Pontypridd secured progress in the Welsh Cup with a 4-3 win at Ruthin Town, whilst Aber were defeated by mid-Wales rivals Newtown in a closely fought contest at Park Avenue. 

The two teams have met once already this season, with Pontypridd triumphing 2-1 at USW Sports Park back in September, despite a late rally from Aber and a goal from Alex Darlington. 

A win will take Aber Town into sixth place, for a few hours at least, before the team have a couple of weeks away from match action. The next fixture is a trip to Shropshire to take on table-topping The New Saints on Friday 2nd December (7.45pm).  

Admission prices at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue Stadium this season are £8 for Adults, £5 for Concessions / Students, £2 for Secondary School age children and free entry for Primary School age children. Please note that admission at the gate is cash only on Friday evening.