ALL roads will lead to Barmouth for the eagerly anticipated Ardal North Play-off final between Caersws and Porthmadog on May 28.
The MMP-NL Mid Wales League West’s Wern Mynach ground will host the prestige final on Saturday, May 28 with a 1pm kick-off with a place in the JD Cymru North at stake for the victors.
Both sides ended second in their respective third tier divisions this season while the Bluebirds also won the league cup last weekend.
With Barmouth served by a railway line to both mid and north west Wales the match is expected to attract a bumper gate, particularly those from Caersws who will hope their day at the seaside ends with promotion.
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Caersws manager Mark Griffiths said: “It will be a great occasion for the club.
“Hopefully we can bank on a large crowd coming up from the village for the day and cheering us on, enjoy a few celebratory beers and then get back home for the UEFA Champions League Final.”
Griffiths was happy with the final venue, saying such games should be played on natural surfaces whenever possible.
Wern Mynach, home of Barmouth and Dyffryn United.
“It’s a great ground and I am very happy Barmouth have been given the final,” said Griffiths. “There were a few other suggestions but Barmouth makes sense geographically central to both finalists.”
The match will see either Caersws or Porthmadog promoted back to the second tier.
Griffiths said: “Obviously both clubs used to play in the League of Wales back in the day so we know each other relatively well.
“Porthmadog are a good club who, like us, will want to get promoted to the second tier.
“It promises to be a great game and hopefully one which will see us take our chance to be promoted.”
The Bluebirds go into the game in fine fettle after ending their season with the Ardal North League Cup following a 1-0 win over Mold Alexandra at Penycae on Saturday.
“We watched them against Baglan Dragons in the Welsh Trophy final and knew they would be a big test,” said Griffiths. “They went into the game as favourites and had some big lads in their team.”
Neil Mitchell in action for Caersws against Mold Alexandra last week. Picture by Barcud-Coch Photography.
However a Glynn Coney headed effort proved the difference while a wonderful goalkeeping display from Steffan Jones ensured the silverware returned to the Severn Valley.
Griffiths said: “It felt great to win the first silverware since I became manager and I would like to thank all the players and also the coaches for all their work, not just on Saturday, but throughout the season and in past campaigns.
“We have one big game to go now and we are all looking forward to the final on May 28 and hope as many fans as possible make the trip.”
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