PREVIEW: CAERSWS FC (H)

Following last weekend's 0–0 draw with Newtown, Town return to Aberystwyth University Park Avenue this weekend for another pre-season friendly as fellow Mid Wales side Caersws visit Ceredigion.

New signings Luke Evans, Tom Evans, Liam Walsh, Dan Owen and Aaron Williams all featured in the starting XI against Newtown, while Dillon Browne, Gruff Sedgwick and Rhys Hughes were introduced from the bench alongside a trialist.

Following the match, manager Craig Williams said that "players learning each other's strengths and adapting to how we want to play are key focuses for pre-season." He will have been encouraged by how quickly the new arrivals settled alongside familiar faces from last season, including Jonathan Evans, Dylan Downs, and Sam Paddock.

This weekend's visitors finished ninth in the Cymru North last season, winning 11 of their 30 league matches. Neil Lewis has taken over as manager following a spell as chairman of the village club, while Brett McBride has been appointed assistant manager.

Although Harry Cottam and Dillon Browne swapped Powys for Ceredigion this summer, the Bluebirds have retained several experienced players, including Craig Harris, Rhys Hesden, Ash Harries and Max Williams.

They are also able to call upon an exciting group of young talent featuring Tyler Ratcliff, Callum Francis-Jones, Jake Jones and Jake Humphreys. George Mitten has been named vice-captain, while former Seasider Sam Phillips, who spent 18 months at Park Avenue under Antonio Corbisiero and Anthony Williams, has been appointed club captain.

Another bumper crowd is expected after more than 350 supporters passed through the Park Avenue turnstiles for last weekend's friendly. As preparations for the 2026/27 season continue, it's another great opportunity to see Craig Williams' new-look squad in action.

Come along and join us for another pre-season Mid Wales derby!