Match Preview: ATFC vs Cefn Druids

Aberystwyth Town vs Cefn Druids
JD Cymru Premier
Friday 2nd April – 5pm KO
MATCH BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
 
Phase One of the Cymru Premier draws to a close this Friday evening, as Cefn Druids visit Park Avenue. Kick off is at the unusual time of 5pm, as all six fixtures kick off at the same time.
 
It has been a mixed first phase for the Seasiders and can be clearly split into three separate sectors. The first set of fixtures ahead of the firebreak lockdown in late October saw plenty of early promise and some impressive results; a 4-0 win away to Friday’s visitors perhaps the standout result, although the 2-2 draw at home to The New Saints was worthy of plenty of praise also.
 
The second period; between the firebreak lockdown and the third lockdown from late December was a more difficult period, and the Black & Greens did not pick up any wins from these fixtures, although four of these games were against teams currently in the top six, with the other three being away from home.
 
Since football restarted in early March, Aber’s form has been excellent and the team have picked up no less than 8 points from 5 matches, including being unbeaten at home during the month, and this has led to Gavin Allen deservedly being nominated for Manager of the Month. In addition to this, goals from Jamie Veale, Jamie Reed and Harry Franklin have been nominated for Sgorio’s Gol y Mis, and arguably some of the squad can consider themselves unlucky not to have been nominated for Player of the Month also, given their recent form.
 
Friday’s visitors have struggled since the restart and are without a win since December. They will have gained some confidence from holding Cardiff Met to a 0-0 draw in their last outing however, and are well capable of winning away from home, with 2 out of their 3 victories so far this season coming on the road.
 
Druids have a former Seasider in their squad in Steff Edwards, who spent 2010-11 at Park Avenue under Alan Morgan and then returned for an 18-month spell in Summer 2018 before departing for The Rock in January 2020. Current Seasider Jamie Reed will also be coming up against the team that he departed in December, and the club whose academy he coaches in.
 
The reverse fixture in October saw Aber record a comprehensive 4-0 victory, with goals from Jonathan Evans, Marc Williams, Steff Davies & Jack Thorn on an emotional night for everyone involved at Aber Town following the passing of club stalwart Tony Payne earlier in the day.
 
Supporters cannot be admitted into the ground to watch the game, but as always, your support and encouragement online is appreciated by the players and will no doubt have played its own part in the recent upturn in form. Our Twitter account will bring you all the coverage from the match as usual @AberystwythTown. Keep getting behind the lads and thank you for your fantastic support! / Diolch i chi gyd am eich cefnogaeth!