Rhagflas / Preview: ATFC v Pontypridd Utd

Mae CPD Tref Aber yn croesawi Pontypridd Unedig heno i Goedlan y Parc ar gyfer Rownd 3 Cwpan Nathaniel MG. Curwyd Y Barri yn y rownd olynnol diolch i oliau gan Alex Darlington a Billy Kirkman ar Barc Jenner mis diwethaf.

Aberystwyth Town are back in cup action tonight, with Pontypridd United the opponents for a 3rd round Nathaniel MG Cup tie. Aber reached this stage by beating Barry Town United away in Round Two; thanks to goals from Billy Kirman and Alex Darlington.

Tonight's visitors are in their second season in the JD Cymru Premier. They finished 8th last time around, after a very strong second phase where they lost only once in 10 games, to eventual European qualifiers Haverfordwest County.
 
Manager Andrew Stokes has strengthened his season over the summer, with the arrivals of Corey Shephard from Haverfordwest County and Keston Davies from The New Saints the most eye catching. In addition to these; Tyler Jackson arrived from Llantwit Major, Jan Maertins came in from Taffs Well, Owen Pritchard joined from Cardiff City and Ethan Vaughan signed from Solihull Motors.
 
There is only one ex-Seasider in their ranks; forward Owain Jones spent two seasons at Park Avenue between 2020-2022 before moving to USW Sport Park.
 
Matches between Aber & Pontypridd last season were always very close. Pontypridd won the first encounter last August 2-1, with Aber reversing that scoreline at Park Avenue in November. The two phase 2 matches ended in draws; 3-3 at Park Avenue in February and then 1-1 at USW Sport Park in April – a match that will be remembered for a long time due to goalkeeper Matthew Turner scoring a 97th minute equaliser!
 
There has already been one meeting between the two sides this season, Pontypridd emerging as the victors by 1 goal to nil at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue last month; their second victory from seven league games so far this season, in addition to three draws, which currently has them in 8th place.
 
Admission prices at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue for this season are set at £8 for adults, £5 for concessions, £2 for Secondary School age kids, and Primary School and younger are free. See you there for some mid-week cup action!