FOOTBALL PREVIEW.
Costcutter League Division 1.
Newcastle Emlyn v Llandysul
League leaders Llandysul will arrive at Parc Emlyn this evening brimming with confidence and with a full compliment of players raring to go for manager Chris ‘Coco’ Davies.
The Swallows are on fire and have won nine on the bounce and they are yet to be seriously tested although they were forced to work hard away at Dewi Stars last weekend before they came through for the inevitable victory.
Davies was playing his cards close to his chest when asked about his line up but it pretty much picks itself with the first name on the team sheet likely to be front runner Simon Davies who has been in scintillating form but who missed the last two games.
Josh Baker, Scott Mayes, Dean Jones and Sion Price will make up a very organised back four in front of keeper Jon Durbridge and the midfield is likely to be a combination of Terry Maynard, Ian Barrett and Ben Thomas with Adrian Hazelby and Scott Thomas playing just in front of them.
Emlyn welcome back midfielders Sam Skinner and John Curran who were not available last weekend and they will enjoy getting stuck into the visiting playmakers, whilst at the back Jake Harries and Huw Jonah Jones are likely to lead the line in front of returning goal keeper Ian Hamilton.
Former manager Steve Hicks is now back playing regularly and may start and his physical presence and big match experience would help balance a side that has some talented young players.
Up front Peter Almond is likely to be given the task of holding the ball up and Emlyn fans will be looking for a big game from the much travelled striker. If he can remain composed and use his holding skills to set up young forwards in the shape of Ben Thomas, Guto Jones and Dion Davies they will put the ball away if they are given the opportunity, just as they did against Cardigan Town.
Both teams are well organised at the back and the midfield area will be hotly contested but the Swallows appear to have the edge when it comes to scoring goals on the big occasion, especially with Davies in the team.They have goal scorers across the team and it will take a huge effort from the Parc Emlyn men to win this one.
Joint managers Gethin Davies and Owain Thomas will be looking for a big opening half hour from their troops and an early goal to ruffle the league leader’s feathers as they have been used to having their own way for weeks.
This top of the table clash promises to be a bruising affair with not much to choose between the two teams. Most neutrals will be hoping for an Emlyn victory to shake things up at the top and put a temporary stop to the Llandysul band wagon but the Swallows who go in as favourites should be too powerful for the reds.
Kick off 7.30. Referee Nigel Edwards.
