Leaders Porth look to maintain perfect start to season

MacWhirter Welsh League weekend preview

AFC Porth take their perfect start to the new Welsh League division one campaign to Goytre United tomorrow.

The Rhondda side has won all three of its games so far this term and have not conceded a goal yet in four-and-a-half hours of football.

They sit proudly at the top of the table with last season’s champions, Cambrian & Clydach, one of three teams two points behind.

One of those, Ton Pentre, the third Rhondda outfit in the top four, kick-off the weekend’s action tonight when they entertain Bryntirion Athletic.

Cambrian have home advantage too with Cwmbran Celtic, who have two wins from their first three outings, the visitors to the title-holders.

Haverfordwest County in third host first division new boys Monmouth Town while West End go to Jenner Park to take on Barry Town. Taffs Well visit Caerleon and Tata Steel, the only side without a point, face Pontardawe Town.

The surprise strugglers so far have been Bridgend Town, eighth last season but one off the bottom of the table at present with an alarming number of goals conceded, 14, in four fixtures. They play Aberdare Town, formerly Aberaman Athletic, at home.

Like AFC Porth, Goytre in division two have an unblemished record with four successive victories. Croesyceiliog stand in the way of them making it five tomorrow.

At the bottom of the table, Cwmaman Institute and Cardiff Corinthians are both looking to get off the mark following a combined run of seven defeats. Cwmaman have a tough assignment at home against Dinas Powys and Corries make the trip to Ammanford.

Like Goytre and Dinas Powys, Caerau (Ely) and Garden Village are also yet to lose and will try to extend their positive start with clashes against Newport YMCA and Aberbargoed Buds respectively.

Elsewhere, Caldicot Town host Undy Athletic, Ely Rangers entertain Briton Ferry Llansawel and Caerau go to Penrhiwceiber Rangers.

The two newest teams to the Welsh League, division three’s Chepstow Town and Llantwit Major will finally be hoping to get their league season under way after being held up due to Pontyclun’s double appeal against their relegation last term.

Both are scheduled to be at home tomorrow, Chepstow against early leaders Risca United and Major against fourth-placed Treowen Stars.

Llanwern are only behind Risca on goal difference and will fancy their chances on home turf against Tredegar Town while Newcastle Emlyn, who won their only match so far, face Pontypridd Town.

The three sides at the foot of the table, Treharris Athletic Western, Bridgend Street and Cardiff Grange Harlequins take on Abertillery Bluebirds away, AFC Llywdcoed at home and Cardiff Met University away respectively. Bettws host Newport Civil Service in the remaining encounter.