Games to please across the leagues (and cups) – September 13-14
Friday, September 13
Anglesey League (7 pm)
Cemaes Bay v Mountain Rangers
Match of the season in the Anglesey League to date as second hosts first at School Lane.
Cemaes have won five out of six with just the one defeat to Holyhead Hotspur Reserves, while leaders Rangers are unbeaten in six (five victories and a draw).
Both sides are free-scoring and possess plenty of match-winners. All in all, the ingredients for an early-season classic.
If they hit their best form at home, Cemaes can win this one and reach the summit.
Saturday, September 14
Cymru Premier (2.30 pm)
Airbus UK Broughton v Barry Town United
The Wingmakers will be boosted by having picked up their first win of the campaign last weekend at Aberystwyth after four straight defeats.
Barry have started the campaign really well, no losses in five so far and lying second behind table-toppers The New Saints.
Airbus are certainly capable of taking a point and I can foresee a draw at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium.
Saturday, September 14
Cymru North (2.30 pm)
Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant v Conwy Borough
Third-place Llanrhaeadr have made a magnificent start to the season with victories already over the likes of Rhyl and Guilsfield.
Conwy had kicked things off well too before running into the Prestatyn Town juggernaut on Wednesday night and getting caned 7-0 at home.
How will the Tangerines respond? Hardly the easiest of opponents to face next, but there is plenty of talent in the Boro ranks and they can take at least a draw from their tough trip to Powys.
Saturday, September 14
FAW Amateur Trophy round two (2.30 pm)
Nothing stands out in the Welsh Alliance or Welsh National (Wrexham Area) this weekend, so we’ll preview four ties in the Trophy – two North East and two North West.
Halkyn & Flint Mountain v Denbigh Town
On paper, this looks like a sure away win – home team near the bottom of WNL Division One and their visitors top of the Welsh Alliance.
However, Halkyn & Flint Mountain have not really hit their stride yet and will be determined to make a name for themselves in a national knockout competition.
Not suggesting Denbigh might take their eye of the ball with the league title their priority this season, but these are sometimes the sort of ties where you can get a slip up.
However, I just go for a Denbigh win, maybe 3-2 or 3-1, but only after a great battle from the hosts.
Saltney Town v Mold Alexandra
Very attractive tie between two teams just three points apart and both in the WNL Premier Division top five.
Mold were flying before getting pegged back for a 3-3 draw at Llanuwchllyn last weekend, while Saltney held the champions FC Queen’s Park in their latest outing.
With home advantage, I’ll stick my neck out and just lean towards a Saltney success.
Bangor 1876 v Pwllheli
A cracking tie this one as newly-formed 1876 face probably the stiffest challenge yet to their unbeaten record.
Pwllheli will still be settling down to recent managerial changes, so this may work for or against them.
Gwynedd League side 1876 have been good at taking the sting out of opponents and then piling on the punishment so far. I quite fancy them to win this tie.
Nantlle Vale v Blaenau Amateurs
Potentially a great contest between two Welsh Alliance Division One sides.
Nantlle lie fourth and are unbeaten, while Blaenau are down in 12th but have proved themselves more than capable of upsetting teams so far – as Llanrug and Mynydd Llandegai will testify.
Nantlle have a strong strike force with the two Aarons – Hughes and Thomas – big dangers. Home win is favourite, but far from guaranteed.
Saturday, September 14
Vale of Clwyd and Conwy League (2.30 pm)
Premier Division: Llanfairfechan Town v CPD Llansannan
A first home league game for Llanfair, who will be out to make a big impact when one of the title favourites visit.
So far, Fechan have played just two league matches – a 7-2 win and a 2-0 defeat.
Llansannan have won two and drawn one, and looked to be getting truly into the groove in beating Llandudno Athletic 5-1 last week.
I would very rarely bet against Tom Lewis’ men, but I’m just edging towards a 2-1 home win here.
Saturday, September 14
Gwynedd League (2.30 pm)
Bontnewydd v Trearddur Bay Bulls
Can Bulls make it eight out of eight?
Richard Owen’s side have made a stunning start to life in the Gwynedd League and they can add more points to the bank at Bont.
Bontnewydd are all about goals. They have scored 31 in six matches so far, but their biggest hauls came against sides in the lower reaches of the table.
The hosts obviously pose a threat up front, but I cannot see beyond an away win here.
Saturday, September 14
North East Wales League (2 pm)
Penyffordd Lions v Brymbo Victoria
Top of the league, four wins and a draw, no defeats and 34 goals scored – quite a start for Brymbo Victoria!
They can expect a good test at Penyffordd, who came so close to ending Chirk Town’s unbeaten record last weekend.
Could be a close one, but on current form, I can see the Vics winning this one 3-2 or 4-2.