Cymru Premier round-up: Bala secure top six spot
- Published
JD Cymru Premier
Friday, 11 February
Barry Town United 0-0 Penybont: Penybont could not complete the double over Barry after their 4-0 thumping last Friday. This was a much more even contest with the game finishing goalless. A point on the road sees Penybont stay second, while one win from their last seven league games leaves Barry just four points above the bottom two, with Gavin Chesterfield's side among the bottom six for the second phase of the season.
Cefn Druids 1-4 The New Saints: Saints extended their lead at the top of the table to 21 points with a convincing win over league strugglers Druids. Declan McManus's neat finish from Ryan Brobbel's cross gave Saints the lead, while Druids equalised just before the break when Ioan Evans' corner went straight in off the far post. Saints then scored two quick fire goals through Jordan Williams and Blaine Hudson, before Brobbel added a fourth. Charley Edge's red card two minutes from time rounded off a disappointing evening for the hosts.
Connah's Quay Nomads 2-0 Flint Town United: It has been an eventful week for Connah's Quay. They won the Nathaniel MG Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout against Cardiff Met on Sunday, and midweek they were were charged by the Football Association of Wales for an alleged breach of Cymru Premier rules. But the champions put that to one side as they returned to winning ways in the league. Paulo Mendes gave Nomads a first-half lead after some good link up play with Jamie Mullan, while the captain George Horan doubled their advantage shortly after the break. Nomads remain in the top six, while Flint are a point behind Penybont in third.
Haverfordwest County 0-0 Aberystwyth Town: Relegation-threatened Haverfordwest will be left to rue the countless goalscoring opportunities against their west Wales rivals, with the game finishing goalless. The Bluebirds' best chance came from a second half penalty, but Danny Williams' spot kick was saved by Alex Pennock. They remain in the bottom two, while Aberystwyth are eighth having not lost in their last three outings.
Saturday, 12 February
Cardiff Met 1-1 Newtown: Ryan Sears' late equaliser rescued a point for Newtown against Cardiff Met, and secured their place in the top six ahead of the league split. Sam Jones had given The Archers a first half lead before Sears scored the equaliser in injury time. This was the Robins' 999th game in the Cymru Premier and they will reach the milestone of 1,000 games against The Archers in the return game at Latham Park on 19 February.
Caernarfon Town 3-3 Bala Town: Will Evans' late leveller saw Bala secure their top six spot and dent Caernarfon's hopes in a thrilling game at The Oval. Dean Ebbe's two goals put Bala in control at the break. But Joe Faux replied for the hosts early in the second half before Sion Bradley levelled with his second goal of the season with a fine finish. Substitute Mike Hayes struck with seven minutes remaining to put Caernarfon in the lead for rye first time but Will Evans brought Bala level soon after to secure a crucial point.