After a fortnight’s hiatus, Ammanford return to JD Cymru South action with their very first trip to the beautifully named Evans Bevans Playing Fields on Saturday afternoon as they take on Baglan Dragons.
Both sides were set to faceoff last weekend at the Recreation Ground however, the inclement autumnal weather put paid to those plans with a waterlogged pitch forcing the game to be postponed on the morning of the fixture.
Last time out, Ammanford earned a point on the road away at Llantwit Major to ensure Gruff Harrison’s side maintained their fourth position in the table although they lost ground on the leaders Briton Ferry Llansawel following their victory over Pontardawe coupled with their home win against Carmarthen Town in Matchday 11.
Although Ammanford have two games in hand, they currently trail Llanelli AFC, the team directly above them by seven points. The two teams directly below Ammanford, Carmarthen Town and Cwmbran Celtic, both have tricky tasks for the afternoon as they take on the top 2 in the division, Briton Ferry and Afan Lido respectively.
In terms of team news, Ellis Williams was missing during the valuable goalless draw away at Llantwit and is hoping to be back in contention for a starting berth. However, deputy Nich Arnold put in a strong performance at Lon y Melin Wynt in his absence.
Elsewhere, Harrison’s squad has a clean bill of health ready for what should be a tricky afternoon in Neath Port Talbot.
Having come up through the playoffs last season, many had tipped the Dragons to struggle however, they have taken the second tier by storm in their maiden campaign at this level.
Under the guidance of Carl Clement, they currently sit in 7th place with 15 points after ten games. They boast eye-catching wins against Pontardawe, Llantwit Major, Abergavenny and Taffs Well.
They also came within a whisker of an unbelievable cup upset away at Haverfordwest County three weeks ago as the Europa Conference League qualifiers needed spot kicks to dispatch the plucky visitors from Neath-Port Talbot. Ironically, the Bluebirds’ reward for victory from 12 yards is a home tie against Ammanford next Saturday afternoon.
A familiar face in the Dragons lineup will be Jay Thomas. The striker started the season as part of Town’s squad but made the short trip down the M4 in search of regular football. During his time in Ammanford, Thomas featured 19 times and found the back of the net four times including the winner against Llantwit last season.
Since his transfer, he has already notched three goals so although we look forward to welcoming him back, we are sure to be in for a tough afternoon.
Joshua Lewis Howells leads the officials. He’ll be assisted by Andrew Wilkins and Kevin Bungay.
The postcode for the Evans Bevans Playing Fields is SA12 8ES. Kick-off is at the slightly earlier time of 14:00. Admission is priced at £5 for adults, £3 for concessions with those under 16’s being admitted for free. After a long break without football, what better way to spend a bonfire weekend than following the Town?
