PREVIEW: AFAN LIDO (A)

Aberystwyth Town begin their 2026/27 Novira Cymru South campaign this Saturday with a trip to Afan Lido, as a new era of Welsh domestic football gets underway.

With the Cymru Premier expanding to 16 teams, the promotion system has also changed. The champions of the Cymru South will still earn automatic promotion, while the runners-up will enter a promotion play-off against the second-placed team from the Cymru North. The winner of that tie will then face the side finishing 14th in the Cymru Premier for a place in the top flight.

If Aber can carry their excellent pre-season form into the league campaign, there is every reason for Black and Green supporters to feel optimistic about the months ahead.

Craig Williams' side have completed an unbeaten pre-season programme against a mixture of Cymru Premier and Cymru South opposition, producing several encouraging performances along the way. A number of the club's new signings have already made a strong impression, giving supporters plenty of reasons for excitement ahead of the new season.

As ever, it has been a busy summer at Park Avenue. Club legend Aneurin Thomas has returned to the club as part of Craig Williams' coaching staff, while ten members of last season's squad remain and are joined by a similar number of new additions.

The squad has a healthy blend of youth and experience, with seasoned campaigners Aaron Williams and Liam Walsh providing leadership alongside a talented, predominantly local group of players.

Saturday's hosts, Afan Lido, finished 12th in the Cymru South last season, collecting 30 points from their 30 league matches. During the close season, former Llanelli manager Lee John took on the role of Team and General Manager, while former Seasider Lee Surman remains at the club as First Team Coach.

Lido have also strengthened their squad with nine new arrivals, including experienced defender Sean Cronin, striker Alex Giardelli and former Briton Ferry midfielder Rio Dyer.

Last season's meetings between the sides both ended 1-0 to the away team. Aber claimed victory in Port Talbot in September thanks to a Jonny Evans strike, before Afan Lido returned the favour with a narrow win at Park Avenue in March.

Afan Lido play their home fixtures at the Marston's Stadium on Aberavon seafront. The ground is within walking distance of most areas of Port Talbot and is easily accessible from Junction 40 of the M4 by following signs for Aberavon seafront (postcode SA12 6QW). Free parking is available opposite the ground, although supporters are advised to arrive early as spaces can fill quickly.

Admission prices are £6 for adults and £3 for concessions.

Join us on Saturday as the Black and Greens embark on another exciting season, with the first chapter of the 2026/27 campaign beginning on the South Wales coast.