The opening night of the new MMP with Norman Lloyd Central Wales League season will sees two mouthwatering derbies take centre stage, writes Stuart Townsend.
To launch the revamped league on Friday, August 5, Hay St Mary’s entertain promoted Penybont United and Knighton Town make the short journey south to face League Cup holders Radnor Valley at The Bypass - in what will be a keenly-anticiated clash.
Talgarth Town, under the new management of Ben Sharman and Jack Dodds, welcome former Ardal North East club Machynlleth to the King George V Playing Fields the following day. Meanwhile, Brecon FC and Presteigne St Andrews both make long journeys west to Aberaeron Town and Llanilar, respectively, to commence their fixtures.
There are two more local derbies in prospect on Tuesday, August 9, when Hay St Mary’s entertain Brecon FC and Knighton Town play their opening home match against Penybont United. Three days later, Corin Jones’ Presteigne St Andrews make their home bow when Talgarth Town are the visitors to Llanandras Park, whilst Radnor Valley welcome Brecon FC to The Bypass. The following afternoon sees Newcastle Emlyn make the journey to Knighton Town and Hay St Mary’s are on the road for the first time when they visit former Ardal North East outfit Penparcau.
No fixtures have yet been scheduled for Saturday, August 20 until the outcome of the opening round of the JD Welsh Cup is known but there is a busy August Bank Holiday weekend of action for local clubs.
Radnor Valley host local rivals Presteigne St Andrews on Friday, August 26, before the following afternoon sees Hay St Mary’s entertain Aberaeron Town, whilst Penybont United head to Penparcau.
Derbies are the order of the day on Monday, August 29 as Brecon FC head to Bryn-y-Castell to face Knighton Town, Presteigne St Andrews entertain Hay St Mary’s and Talgarth Town host Radnor Valley.
The ranks of Brecon and Radnor representation were bolstered, following the promotion of Brecon Corries and Builth Wells, at the recent AGM of the MMP with Norman Lloyd Central Wales League. Brecon FC, Knighton Town, Penybont United, Presteigne St Andrews were all accepted into the tier four league’s southern section, after having played in the Watson Financial Mid Wales League (South) last term, where they will join existing members, and local rivals, Hay St Mary’s and Radnor Valley for the new campaign. The section is completed with Aberaeron Town, Aberyswyth University, Llanilar, Machynlleth, Newcastle Emlyn, Penparcau and Tregaron Turfs.
The membership of the MMP with Norman Lloyd Central Wales League (North) has been confirmed as Abermule, Barmouth and Dyffryn United, Bishops Castle Town, Carno, Churchstoke, Dyffryn Banw, Forden United, Four Crosses, Kerry, Llanfyllin Town, Llansantffraid Village, Meifod, Montgomery Town, Trewern United, Tywyn/Bryncrug and Waterloo Rovers. Fixtures in this division are due to start a fortnight earlier - this Saturday, July 23.