PREVIEW: CARMARTHEN TOWN (H)

Aberystwyth Town will welcome in the New Year with a first home fixture under Craig Williams, as old adversaries Carmarthen Town visit Ceredigion for the first time in over 6 years.

Aber’s new gaffer has already delivered some festive joy to the Black & Green Army, as Rackeem Reid’s 89^th minute goal sealed an important victory against Pontypridd United on Boxing Day, despite the team being at a numerical disadvantage for over twenty minutes following Kane Auld’s dismissal.

With Aber now over the halfway point in terms of matches, the team will be looking to find some consistency in their results as the race for the top three hots up as we enter 2026.

This fixture was once played on a regular basis, and in 2010/11 there was no less than six meetings between the two sides, but surprisingly this will be only the second encounter between the two clubs in the 2020’s, following the meeting in August when a goal from the experienced Luke Cummings secured all three points for the Old Gold.

Long time fans of the Seasiders will have plenty of memories of fixtures between these two teams, such as the Geoff Kellaway inspired 5-0 victory in 2016, which saw the Black & Green legend net a hat-trick. Kellaway was also on target twice in another famous meeting between the two sides, the Welsh Cup Semi-Final of 2009, when Freddie Thomas netted the winner in extra time.

Looking to the present, this fixture will mark Zac Hartley’s 50th appearance in Black & Green. Only Jonathan Evans has made more appearances for the club among the current squad.

Carmarthen currently sit eighth in the league, one point and one place below Aber, having played a game more. They have recorded six wins from their 17 matches so far this season. Liam Thomas is their leading scorer with five goals, followed by Thomas Dyson on four and Keyon Reffell with three.

Sadly, this will be the first home match since the passing of one of Aber’s most loyal fans, Steve Moore. A constant presence at Park Avenue for over 60 years, Steve dedicated countless hours to ATFC as both a supporter and volunteer. He will be sorely missed.

Tickets are priced at £7 for adults and £5 for concessions. Primary school children and junior league players can attend free of charge. This season, ATFC are also offering a £2 discount on adult digital tickets purchased in advance. A new year also brings a new start at Aberystwyth University Park Avenue, as the new gaffer takes charge of his first home game!