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With Phase Two in the JD Cymru Premier beginning this evening, we take a look at what’s at stake for each side.

The New Saints

In hot pursuit of their ninth title in succession, for current leaders The New Saints, becoming JD Cymru Premier champions is simply a must.

Scott Ruscoe’s men sit at the pinnacle of the JD Cymru Premier table after Phase One, four points above their main title rivals, Connah’s Quay Nomads. Crucially, The New Saints ended Phase One by coming from behind against the Nomads to record a 2-1 victory, courtesy of a Simon Spender winner. The coming weeks could make or break Scott Ruscoe’s side’s grip on the title, with difficult trips to Bala Town and Connah’s Quay Nomads beckoning in February. In Phase Two, The New Saints will, without doubt, play their part in a hotly-contested JD Cymru Premier title race, and are firm favourites to claim their ninth title in-a-row. Connah’s Quay Nomads If the JD Cymru Premier is to have a different winner for the first time since Bangor City won the title in the 2010-2011 season, Connah’s Quay Nomads look the most equipped side to knock The New Saints off their perch, despite currently sitting four points behind their title rivals. On the back of winning the Nathaniel MG Cup for the second time in their history, with an emphatic 3-0 win over STM Sports, the Nomads look to take their cup success into the JD Cymru Premier title race. The Nomads’ strength in Phase One was their home form, having recorded 27 points from a possible 33, an average of 2.5 points per game at the Deeside Stadium this season. Andy Morrison’s side’s home form will be crucial in their bid to topple The New Saints, with a key fixture against their title rivals at the Deeside Stadium on the 21st of February. Starting with a difficult trip to Barry Town’s Jenner Park, we expect the Nomads to provide stern competition for The New Saints in Phase Two. Bala Town In December, Bala Town were on a five-game winning run, including two emphatic wins over Newtown and Aberystwyth, where Bala scored a total of nine goals; Colin Caton’s men were in titlewinning form. However, the Lakesiders form since that run has been indifferent, with losses to Connah’s Quay Nomads, Cardiff Met and Cefn Druids. Still in search of their first point in 2020, Colin Caton’s side have fallen adrift in the title race and currently trail leaders The New Saints by nine points, meaning their title chances are now out of their hands. The Lakesiders can, however, find comfort in their goalscoring abilities, having scored an average of 2.1 goals per JD Cymru Premier game this season. Bala Town’s attacking prowess is heavily down to the form of striker Chris Venables, who is joint-top with Greg Draper in the JD Cymru Premier top scorers chart, with a tally of 18 goals. In Phase Two, Colin Caton’s side must turn around their recent form if they are to stake a claim in the title race, but a third place finish will secure Europa League football next season in the likely case that either The New Saints or Connah’s Quay Nomads win the Welsh Cup. Barry Town United

Currently in fifth place, just a point behind Bala Town, Barry Town’s prospects in Phase Two are very similar to those of the Lakesiders.

Gavin Chesterfield’s side started the season well, most notably defeating the New Saints 1-0 at The Venue, with a goal from Evan Press.

However, the Linnets’ title chances were severely damaged by their form in November, losing to Caernarfon Town, Connah’s Quay Nomads, Cefn Druids and Newtown.

As the seven-time JD Cymru Premier champions look to close the gap on the top two, Gavin Chesterfield’s men will be buoyed by the signing of former Wales international David Cotterill, whose high profile will be a big boost to the club.

In similar vein to Bala Town, a top three finish will be vitally important for Barry Town at the end of Phase Two, as it is likely to secure a Europa League spot for next season.

Caernarfon Town

Six points behind Barry are Caernarfon Town, who appointed Huw Griffiths as their first team manager last week after he departed Cefn Druids.

Sean Eardley will stay on as assistant manager, in what is a new-look management team at The Oval.

Still in search for their first win in 2020, the Cofis’ claim for a top three place is now out of their hands.

However, Caernarfon could still qualify for a Europa League spot through the playoffs, and would advance to the semi-final if they secure a place in the top five come the end of Phase Two.

With Newtown hot on their heels, the Cofis must avoid dropping to sixth place if they are to avoid a quarter-final play-off fixture against the JD Cymru Premier’s seventh placed side.

In Phase Two, as a place in the top three is now out of their hands, it is likely that Huw Griffiths’ side will have to compete in the play-offs for a Europa League spot.

Newtown

Having secured the final Championship Conference berth with a goalless contest against Airbus UK Broughton at Latham Park on the final day of Phase One, the Robins will now compete with the JD Cymru Premier’s top five.

Currently in sixth place with 32 points, Chris Hughes’ side are hot on the heels of Caernarfon Town as they look to climb the table.

The Robins will take encouragement that they can compete with the JD Cymru Premier’s elite from their very impressive defensive record.

Chris Hughes’ men have conceded just three goals in the league since November, coming in a 2-0 defeat to The New Saints and a 2-1 victory over Aberystwyth.

Europa League next season, the Robins will be keen to avoid a quarter-final play-off fixture, meaning that they must, first and foremost, leapfrog the Cofis.

Cardiff Met University

Missing out on the top six by just a point, Cardiff Met will be in intense competition with Cefn Druids for a place in the play-offs in Phase Two.

In Phase One, Cardiff Met proved that they are capable of competing with the best, having defeated The New Saints 2-1 at the Venue, with goals from Joel Edwards and Will Evans.

However, Met’s form against the teams at the lower end of the table has been inconsistent, losing to Carmarthen and Aberystwyth, and drawing to Penybont, all at Cyncoed Campus.

Christian Edwards’ side must make a habit of beating the teams below them if they are to secure a place in the European play-offs.

In Phase Two, we expect Cardiff Met to be in battle with Cefn Druids for seventh place, which will secure a place in the quarter-finals of the play-offs.

There has been big news at Cefn Druids this week as Huw Griffiths’ contract as first-team manager was terminated, allowing him to become the manager of Caernarfon Town. In the permanent absence of Griffiths, Stuart Gelling has been appointed as the club’s sporting director. The change in management could make or break the Ancients this season, as they look to secure Europa League football next season. The Druids missed out on a place in the top six by just a point, but will have to put that disappointment behind them as they go into Phase Two. A trip to Airbus UK Broughton is what lies ahead for the Ancients, as the contest between them and Cardiff Met for seventh place begins. Aberystwyth Town Currently eight points behind the Druids are Aberystwyth Town. Matthew Bishop’s side’s chances of finishing in seventh place, which would earn them a spot in the European play-offs, is out of their hands. The Seasiders’ form in 2020 has been positive, with wins over Caernarfon Town and Penybont respectively. Matthew Bishop was very active in the January transfer market, bringing in midfielders Ilan Hughes, Pavel Vieira and James Rowland, defender David Thompson and front-men Alhagi Touray Sisay and Adam Davies. The Seasiders will also be buoyed by the news that midfielder Paulo Mendes has pledged his loyalty to the club, by rejecting offers from other JD Cymru Premier clubs. After a successful transfer window, Bishop’s side look to close the gap on Cardiff Met and Cefn Druids in Phase Two. Rhys Griffiths of Penybont in action against Cardiff Met. Penybont Just two points above the dropzone are Penybont. Rhys Griffiths’ men started 2020 well, with a draw to Caernarfon Town and a victory over Cefn Druids, but fell to a 1-0 defeat at Aberystwyth’s Park Avenue last time out. In hot competition with Airbus UK Broughton and Carmarthen Town, the Bont are in a relegation dog-fight. Therefore, results against the teams below them will be crucial in their bid to stay in the JD Cymru Premier. In a vital game at The SDM Glass Stadium tomorrow night, Penybont would extend the gap between them and their opponents Carmarthen Town to six points if they are victorious. In Phase Two, we expect the tussle between the JD Cymru Premier’s bottom three to go down to the wire. Airbus UK Broughton Last season’s JD Cymru North Champions have found life in the JD Cymru Premier difficult, and currently sit in the relegation zone. The Wingmakers’ weakness in Phase One was their defensive record, conceding 58 goals, an average of 2.6 goals per game. However, Steve O’Shaughnessy’s side have made an unbeaten start to 2020, with draws against Carmarthen and Newtown. Their two points in January is more than the points they recorded in all of November and December last year combined. Starting by hosting Cefn Druids, the Wingmakers will be in the hunt to secure their JD Cymru Premier status in Phase Two. Carmarthen Town Lowly Carmarthen Town currently sit at the foot of the JD Cymru Premier table. The Old Gold have won just twice this season, but are just three points adrift of safety. Kristian O’Leary’s side started 2020 on a three-game unbeaten run, picking up seven points in total in a doubleheader against Penybont and a home fixture against Airbus UK Broughton. Carmarthen, therefore, looked as though their form was picking up and that the Old Gold would soon be climbing up the table. This was until their trip to Barry Town last time out, where they were comprehensively beaten 7-1. However, Kristian O’Leary’s side’s chances of playing in the JD Cymru Premier next season are far from over, and would leapfrog Penybont with victory over them tomorrow night. With so much at stake at both ends of the table, Phase Two in the JD Cymru Premier promises to be fiercely competitive.

NON LEAGUE PAPER

On his self-enforced night off, Jurgen Klopp could have done much worse than to pay a visit to Crabble, home of Dover Athletic, last Tuesday night.

While the esteemed Liverpool chief was watching his side's FA Cup replay with Shrewsbury Town from the comfort of his own home - passing down duties to Under 23s coach Neil Critchley - the players, staff and supporters of Barrow AFC were, quite simply, putting his argument of an over-indulged fixture schedule to shame. After the initial fixture was postponed following the tragic death of an individual on the West Coast Main Line on October 12, Bluebirds fans were up bright and early for their gruelling cross-country trip to the south-east coast – a whopping 768-mile round trip. Meeting at the club's Holker Street ground at stupid o'clock in the morning, the hardy 23 members of the Bluebirds Supporters Trust were welcomed with bacon rolls in the car park –a terrific gesture made by the club's extremely grateful manager Ian Evatt. Players, staff and supporters arrived back in Barrow-inFurness at around 5am leaving a number of whom just enough time to wolf down their Cornflakes and early morning cuppa before going back to work. Now that's dedication for you. Speaking after the Reds' 2-2 draw at the New Meadow, Klopp said that none of his first-team squad would be involved in the Anfield replay as it falls during the Premier League mid-season break. The decision was estimated to cost the League One Shrews around £500,000 in lost revenue. Granted, Klopp's men have been victims of their own success, challenging on Premier League, Champions League and World Club Championship fronts, but there was little sympathy of his argument for many Non-League players, who are forced to juggle an equally gruelling schedule on the field with work and family commitments, for a small fraction of the numeration. True, the debate on fixture congestion is nothing new but it does seem to be escalating when it comes to reigniting the flame in the FA Cup. Suggestions from BBC anchorman Gary Lineker about starting the FA Cup Preliminary rounds at the end of the previous season were misguided to say the least, made without so much of a thought towards life outside the Premier League. With or without the presence of Klopp and his A-listers, Shrewsbury fans won't ever forget the club's first visit to Anfield in 134 years.. Similarly, the supporters of Barrow, who will always have a tale to tell their grandchildren one day...The Day We Went To Dover on a Tuesday night. Try telling them that football has lost its magic.

Bala Town F.C. are looking for parents to help out with the Media of the Academy. If you can help us our please contact our media officer Hannah Gwenllian via: hannah.gwenllian@balatownfc.co.uk

WALES ONLINE

There are several names that are yet to be called upon by their country that are nevertheless dreaming of a Euro 2020 call-up

The excitement for Euro 2020 is slowly building, and Ryan Giggs will surely already be pondering on who will be getting the nod for his squad this summer.

The likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Harry Wilson are surely all shoe-ins to for a place in the squad for the upcoming European Championships, but there is still plenty for the Wales boss to ponder ahead of the tournament. As well as the more established names, there are a number of uncapped players who are bidding to stake a claim in Giggs' plans. Neco Williams - Liverpool The full-back is the name on everyone's lips right now, following a handful of sparkling performances for Liverpool, which have sparked rave reviews on Merseyside. Many fans have called for him to be Giggs' thinking for the summer, and it's understood he is in contention for a chance to shine in the upcoming friendlies against Austria and the USA at the end of March. Giggs is believed to be a big admirer, having received several glowing reports on the 18-yearold, who put in a man-of-thematch display in the FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town at the weekend and was also a part of the squad that earned glory at the World Club Championships. Those on Merseyside believe he has the quality to earn himself a place on the plane for this summer, and alleged admiring glances from bitter rivals England may well hasten Giggs in acting, although it has to be said that a switch of allegiances looks very unlikely. Perhaps the only nagging doubt is his lack of game-time at senior level. He currently has just four appearances for Liverpool to his name. Nevertheless, having been a part of the Wales set-up all the way up to under-19 level, you wouldn't bet against him making the step up this summer. Christian Doidge - Hibernian Put simply, no Welsh striker can match the Hibs man's scintillating form this season. The 27-year-old, who spent the early part of his career in the Welsh domestic pyramid with Carmarthen Town, Barry Town United and Croesyceiliog, has been in incredible form in the Scottish capital. He currently has 15 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions, a tally higher than any striker available to Giggs this summer. Doidge is a name who has been discussed before, given his goalscoring exploits at Forest Green Rovers, where he netted an incredible 59 league goals in 108 appearances. However, his exploits this term have made him increasingly difficult to overlook. Of course, critics may point out that his tally has come in a weaker league, and therefore has to be taken into consideration. But with Wales arguably crying out for options in the out-andout striker role, Giggs could surely do a lot worse than the Newport-born star. Expect a chance to shine during the upcoming friendlies at the very least. Dylan Levitt - Manchester Utd The 19-year-old midfielder is highly rated by those within the Man United set-up, with some comparing him to previous United greats like Paul Scholes. He was handed a call-up to the 26-man training camp in the

Algarve back in May, before later going on to make his debut for the under-21s the following October, earning another callup to the senior squad for the crunch qualification doubleheader with Azerbaijan and Hungary. At club level, the teenager has netted three goals in 11 appearances for the United's under-23s this season, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handing him a senior debut in the Europa League tie with Astana back in November. Levitt played the full 90 minutes that day, which has undoubtedly seen his stock rise further. However, he has not managed another first-team appearance since. Plenty have tipped him for a bright future for club and country, but given that lack of experience, and indeed the number of more established midfield options at Giggs' disposal, it's difficult to tell whether he will have done enough to earn a place on the plane. Ben Williams - Barnsley Another one to be called up to last summer's training camp in Portugal, the left-back has seen a fair amount of game-time this season, having made 14 Championship appearances for Barnsley. With Ben Davies still working his way back from injury, there is potentially room for another fullback to enter the frame, although it's clear that he will need to produce something special if he is to force his way into Giggs' thinking this summer. Having been a favourite under previous boss Daniel Stendel, Williams has seemingly struggled to nail down a firstteam place under current manager Gerhard Struber. Indeed, he's seen just 71 minutes of action in Barnsley's last nine league games, which will undoubtedly put a big dent in what is already an outside hope of inclusion. Ben Cabango - Swansea City Swans boss Steve Cooper is a big fan of the 19-year-old, whose performances have been so assured and so impressive that it's actually easy to forget he's not yet played for his country at senior level. The centre-back's rise has seen him become a regular starter for the Swans in recent weeks, although the return of fellow Wales international Joe Rodon is likely to have an impact on his game-time for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, the standard of this performances have surely been enough to at least get him on the radar of the senior team, with the former TNS loanee previously shining for his country at under-19 level.

RESERVES & COLTS LEAGUE TABLE

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% LLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLL LLLLL '!&,+ 1. Connah's Quay 16 14 0 2 66 18 42 2. Airbus UK 17 13 1 3 73 24 40 3. Cefn Mawr Rangers 15 9 2 4 34 30 29 4. Mynydd Isa 13 7 2 4 49 27 23 5. Rhydymwyn 12 7 2 3 42 23 23 6. Saltney Town 14 7 2 5 41 32 23 7. Brymbo 14 6 4 4 42 35 22 8. Bala Town 15 5 5 5 34 29 20 9. Cefn Albion 14 5 2 7 37 39 17 10. Coedpoeth Utd 15 4 1 10 25 44 13 11. Llay Welfare Colts 16 4 1 11 28 51 13 12. Ruthin Town * 16 5 0 11 33 53 12 13. Llangollen Town 16 3 2 11 17 53 11 14. Johnstown YFC * 13 1 2 10 13 76 2

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