Chirk AAA v Buckley Town (6.45 pm)
Ruthin Town v Mold Alexandra (7.45 pm)
Saturday, July 29 (2.30 pm kick-offs)
Airbus UK Broughton v Guilsfield
Bangor 1876 v Llanidloes Town
Caersws v Llandudno
Flint Town United v Denbigh Town
Holywell Town v Porthmadog
Prestatyn Town v Gresford Athletic
PREVIEWS
Four teams are in action on the opening night of the new JD Cymru North season this Friday.
Chirk AAA will host Buckley Town, while Ruthin Town welcome Mold Alexandra to the Memorial Playing Fields.
Most Cymru North teams will have 90 competitive minutes under their belts with the campaign having begun with the opening round of the Nathaniel MG Cup last weekend.
Chirk will aim to bounce back from their 1-0 home exit against Denbigh Town.
The Colliers played well at times in that game and might fancy their chances of a better outcome against Buckley, who struck late to eliminate Mold 2-1 in a thriller at The Globe.
Chirk are a resilient outfit, and although Town will be on a high after the derby win of six days earlier, this might be the AAA’s opportunity to make a statement.
Ruthin pipped Llandudno 3-2 at home in their Nathaniel MG battle and can keep their positive start going, although Mold will be hard to beat, no doubt smarting from the Bucks experience.
On to Saturday, and it is a welcome back to tier 2 for Airbus, who failed to register a single win in the Cymru Premier last season.
With new manager Mark Allen at the helm, and some decent summer signings, they should fare much better a level below, but my instincts tell me visitors Guilsfield will spring a minor surprise at the Hollingsworth Group Stadium and edge the points.
Bangor 1876 will no doubt be on cloud nine after their magnificent win at Holywell in the cup last Saturday.
Michael Johnston’s promoted side will no doubt be looking to get off to a flyer in their first Cymru North fixture against Llanidloes at Nantporth Stadium. The fan-owned hosts should leave the Daffs wilting in front of what is expected to be a large crowd.
On their return to the Cymru North, Caersws will come up against a Llandudno side very much in transition with a brand new squad the result of a summer of unrest at Maesdu Park.
Nonetheless, the Seasiders showed real spirit in last Friday’s 3-2 cup reverse at Ruthin, only losing to a late decider.
Caersws exited the cup too at home to Guilsfield and will not have it easy versus Tudno, but nonetheless the Bluebirds should come out on top.
Flint Town United against Denbigh Town should be a cracker between a home team coming down from the Cymru Premier and a visiting side promoted from tier 3.
Denbigh should not be phased too much at the higher standard. They have a tremendous set of players, the majority of whom were part of last season’s Ardal North West double celebrations, while the Silkmen are bedding in a few new faces.
Leaning towards an away win here.
Holywell Town, who were so dynamic for most of last season in finishing runners-up were given a real jolt by losing to Bangor 1876 in the Nathaniel MG last weekend.
Can Johnny Haseldin’s men, whose heroic keeper of the last two seasons Keighan Jones left the club last week, bounce back against Porthmadog?
The Wellmen’s motto is ‘Refuse to Lose’ and they will be extra determined to pick up three points first up.
However, I am seeing one or two upsets on this first weekend of league action, and with the talent brought in, including last Saturday’s four-goal hero Shaun Cavanagh, I think Port can claim a point at Halkyn Road.
Prestatyn Town did better than expected last season in finishing sixth, and they can make a good start at home to Gresford Athletic, a team that can blow hot and cold.
Neither side played last weekend as they were given byes in the Nathaniel MG first round.
It will likely be a close one at Bastion Gardens, but a home win is what I predict.
SCORECASTS
Chirk AAA 2 Buckley Town 1
Ruthin Town 3 Mold Alexandra 1
Airbus UK Broughton 0 Guilsfield 1
Bangor 1876 3 Llanidloes Town 0
Caersws 2 Llandudno 0
Flint Town United 0 Denbigh Town 2
Holywell Town 2 Porthmadog 2
Prestatyn Town 3 Gresford Athletic 2
