Presteigne carry local hopes in the fourth round of the FAW Trophy when they host Glan Conwy tomorrow (Saturday).
Victories over Llay Welfare and Corwen from the Welsh National League (Wrexham Area) Premier Division, both after extra-time, have seen Presteigne reach the last 16.
But standing in the way of further progress are Welsh Alliance outfit Glan Conwy, who thrashed Newbridge 11-1 in an earlier round. Presteigne will not read too much into that result as Newbridge were very much depleted that day.
Presteigne’s Tom Ammonds said earlier this week: “It is a big game for us and we will be going for a win. Glan Conwy are doing quite well in their own league and a lot depends on how well they travel” – referring to the two and half hour journey facing their opponents.
Presteigne are boosted by the return of Kenny Styles, while Lee Sutton is also available following a one-match ban. Wes Evans should have recovered from a groin strain which has sidelined him in recent weeks.
On the down side, Glen Tolley is ruled out through work commitments, Chris Goode is still suspended, and Sam Pearson is probably two weeks away from fitness.
Berriew are the only other survivors from the Spar Mid Wales League and they visit Nefyn United who, like Glan Conwy, are mid-table in the Welsh Alliance.
In the Spar Mid Wales League tomorrow, Newbridge and Rhayader Town are both at home aiming for wins that would keep them in the leading pack.
Newbridge entertain Penparcau with manager Kevin Price making a couple of enforced changes. Christian Jones and Johnny Samuel are both missing and are replaced by Phil Ruell and Ben Davies.
A look at Newbridge’s bench at TNS last week suggests The Villagers do have more strength in depth this season and they will be keen to extend their recent unbeaten run.
The teams met at Min-y-Ddol just last month when Newbridge hit back from two down to salvage a 2-2 draw. Price was delighted with last week’s performance at TNS and made special mention of goalkeeper Eifion Price who, he says, “has been outstanding during the past six weeks”
Player-manager Dylan McPhee will be targeting three points when Rhayader Town welcome lowly Kerry to The Weirglodd.
Rhayader know last week’s battling performance at Berriew will count for nothing if they fail to win tomorrow.
Rhayader, who remain fourth in the table, will run the rule over a lengthy injury list but Chris Murphy and keeper Ed Jones should both return for the Weirglodd men, whose League Cup tie against Newtown Reserves has been rearranged for next Wednesday night.
