Newbridge could move out of the bottom two in the Spar Mid Wales League should they seal a vital home win tomorrow (Saturday).
The Villagers face a crucial game as they continue their fight against relegation and are aiming to complete a rare league double over fellow strugglers Dogellau. Two goals from Kyle Chillery earned Newbridge a 2-1 success at Dolgellau just three weeks ago and player-boss Adriano Girolami wants more of the same.
That result coupled with the excellent point gained at Park Avenue last weekend could mean Newbridge start tomorrow’s game as favourites but they will be well aware they are yet to pick up a point on home soil.
Assistant manager Kevin Price says Newbridge could field their strongest line-up of the season with Neil Walmesley, Johnny Samuel, Gareth Davies, Steve Morgan, Chris Evans, Chris Jones and Chris Goode all set to return.
Meanwhile, player-manager Dylan McPhee is also spoilt for choice when Rhayader resume their campaign at home against Tywyn/Bryncrug who are two points behind Rhayader in the table but with three games in hand.
Mattie Lewis, Callum McKenzie and Mark Davies are all back in the frame after missing the derby win at Presteigne last time out while more good news saw Tom Bethell return from injury for the reserves.
Rhayader, who are at home again on Wednesday night against Llanrhaeadr (7.45pm), pulled off a fine 2-1 success at Tywyn earlier in the campaign.
A double over the Merioneth side, who are without banned influential defender Paul Grant, would keep Rhayader in the title race.
Hay St Marys visit Bow Street in the first of two meetings with Huw Bates’ side in the space of five days as the teams also clash in a League Cup semi-final at Rhayader Town’s Weirglodd on Wednesday night. Wes Evans and Sam Powell almost certainly ruled out for The Saints while boss Fil Wisniewski has several other doubts. The Saints have now lost seven in a row in the league.
Presteigne player-manager Tim Broome, who feels his side have now dropped too many points to land the title, is still without Shane Sutton for the tricky trip to league leaders Penparcau.
Sam Williams (knee) is also a doubt but Glen Tolley makes a welcome return while Tom Evans, Jack Keating and Liam Jones are also back in the squad having been ineligible for last week’s Central Wales Cup tie.