Welshpool head to league favourites

Whilst the long-awaited work continues on resurfacing the pitch damaged by vandals, Welshpool hit the road for their first league game of the season, away to hot favourites to win Division 2 North, Wrexham, writes Gary Williams.

After a disappointing loss last week in the Cup, Pool will have to be at their best to come away with a win, however, Chairman Aaron Hobson said that he saw plenty of positives in the defeat to Colwyn Bay and is confident that his young team will improve game by game as the season progresses.

Welshpool's pitch has been out of action for 29 weeks after vandals stole a tractor and smashed its glass on the centre of the pitch, meaning it has to re-turfed at great expense (pictured).

Newtown also face a stern test, at home to Teirw Nant, a team who have finished in the upper quarter of this league for the last few seasons.

The hosts will hope to put their opening home defeat against Bangor behind them and ease their way in to the league games with a much better performance. 

In Division One North, COBRA start their campaign with a tough away game at Bala. Never an easy place to get a result, Bala have already had a couple of games this season and COBRA will have to quickly get up to match pace if they want to come home with the spoils.

In Division Three, Llanidloes, league leaders on points difference, have a tricky encounter at Bro Gwernant. Difficult one to predict and Llani will have to continue their good form from last week’s 12-61 win at Rhos to keep themselves on the summit.

Another side who will be playing their first league game of the season is Machynlleth who visit Rhos. At full strength, you would expect Mach to pick up the winning points but their unpredictable hosts on a good day are more than capable of causing an upset.

COBRA 2nds were due to host Denbigh 2nds in a Division 3 encounter but unfortunately the visitors have called off due to a player shortage.

In the youth leagues, COBRA, unbeaten so far this season, host Ruthin Youth in what will be a stern test where home advantage might just edge it for the Meifod youngsters.

PICTURE (by Gary Williams): Action from the last Wrexham v Welshpool match.