MATCH PREVIEW: ABERYSTWYTH TOWN VS CONNAH'S QUAY NOMADS
- media3876
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
After 33 years, the curtain falls on Aberystwyth Town’s time as a JD Cymru Premier club this Saturday (for the time being at least), as the Seasiders host Connah's Quay Nomads in a lunchtime kick off.
Only a handful of the current squad were born when Aber kicked off their first league campaign, in what was then known as the Konica League of Wales. Goals from Mike Davies (2) and Anthony Thomas gave Tomi Morgan’s Black & Greens a 3-2 win on opening day, against Caersws at Park Avenue.
The team would finish 3rd in that inaugural season – Aber’s highest finish to date. There have been plenty of highs and a few lows in the following 32 seasons and although this season has not gone as anyone would have hoped, there are plenty of reasons to be optimistic that ATFC can make a swift return to the top flight next season.
Saturday’s visitors, Connah's Quay Nomads, parted company with manager Billy Paynter last weekend, following defeat to Barry Town United. That defeated ended any hopes of clinching the all-important 7th spot, although Nomads could still qualify for Europe should they defeat The New Saints in the Welsh Cup Final in May.
Although this season has been a disappointing one by Nomads recent high standards, they do have the league’s top goalscorer in their ranks. Rhys Hughes has netted 16 times this season, one ahead of Penybont’s James Crole and Caernarfon’s Louis Lloyd.
This will be the 5th meeting between the two clubs this season. Nomads won both league games at their Cae Y Castell home, with the first league game at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue being a draw, however Aber were victorious in the Nathaniel MG Cup Quarter Final at Cae Y Castell back in October.
Park Avenue hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Nomads in recent years – their last victory in Ceredigion came back in 2021. The Green Army will be hoping that this run continues on Saturday and that the team bid farewell to the Cymru Premier with a good performance and a bit of pride.
As the season draws to a close, Saturday’s match should not be a time for sadness, but a time for celebration. To sustain top flight football for 33 years is an immense achievement, that so many people have contributed to over the years. Don’t cry because its over … smile because it happened! And ATFC will be back!
Matchday tickets are available by cash or card at the turnstiles. Admission prices at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue for 2024/5 are set at £8 for adults, £5 for concessions, £2 for Secondary School age kids, and Primary School and younger are free.
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