PREVIEW: PONTYPRIDD UTD (A)

Aberystwyth Town face another big test near the top of the table this weekend, as they travel to USW Sports Park to take on third-placed Pontypridd United.

Ponty and Aber are currently level on points, in third and second place respectively, with the Seasiders sitting above their opponents on goal difference.

Trips to Treforest Industrial Estate will bring fond memories for Aber fans, who witnessed goalkeeper Matthew Turner’s dramatic stoppage-time equaliser there in 2023. The late goal proved pivotal in Aber’s successful battle for survival that season.

Craig Williams’ side head into the fixture in excellent form, having gone unbeaten in their last six games. Last weekend’s draw against league leaders Pure Swansea brought an end to a five-game winning run however, but it did extend their unbeaten run.

Pontypridd United have also made an excellent start to the campaign, winning four of their first five league games and drawing once - the draw also coming against Pure Swansea in a 4-4 thriller. Their results have dipped slightly in recent weeks, with a first league defeat coming against Afan Lido followed by a cup exit away to Ynyshir Albions. Ponty did however return to winning ways last weekend, with a 2-1 victory over Caerphilly Athletic.

Pontypridd have added several familiar names to their squad over the summer, with Jack Bevan perhaps the most notable arrival after finishing as Llantwit Major’s top scorer last season. Fellow striker Kofi Rowe also made the move from Llantwit, while Richard Noyes, Clayton Farrah and Eddie King all joined from Newport City.

Ethan Edwards currently leads Ponty’s scoring charts with five goals in eight appearances, while Clayton Farrah and Jack Jones have three goals apiece.

There will also be a couple of familiar faces in the Pontypridd ranks. Captain Jamie Veale spent two seasons in Black and Green between 2020 and 2022, while Gwion Pugh-Jones is also well known to Aber supporters, having previously worked as a physiotherapist at the club. He also represented local sides Penrhyncoch and Borth United as a player.

Goalkeeper Mike Lewis also spent four seasons at Park Avenue between 2012 and 2016, although he hasn’t featured for Ponty since picking up an injury in the season’s opening fixture.

With both sides flying high in the table and separated only by goal difference, Saturday’s fixture promises to be another nail-biter!

USW Sports Park can be found at CF37 5UP, with Treforest Estate the nearest train station.

Come and cheer on the Seasiders this Saturday as we look to make it seven games unbeaten!