The final weekend of the Dafabet Welsh Premier League regular season is expected to pass this afternoon without the drama and uncertainty of previous years.
That should not be considered a criticism of the league, which for all its need of fairness and certainty has all too often had its most decisive moments decided off-the-field, but as an acknowledgement that the current format has worked this season as best as it possibly can.
All three European places have been taken after Connah’s Quay joined The New Saints and Bala Town as automatic entrants. Results over the Easter weekend also finalised the four play-off teams with Bangor City hosting Newtown and Cardiff Met facing Carmarthen, at a venue yet to be confirmed.
The relegation fight which has been particularly absorbing this season – with thanks to both feeder leagues producing Welsh Premier-ready clubs – has also been settled. Aberystwyth walk away to live another day at the expense of Rhyl who face demotion along with Airbus UK into the Huws Gray Alliance.
The promotion of Prestatyn Town, who cruised to promotion just months after facing liquidation is a wonderful story but one that will be overshadowed by the return of one of the league’s traditional heavyweights in Barry Town, after a 13-year absence. There were emotional scenes at Jenner Park on Tuesday night as Barry clinched promotion and their presence back at the top-end of Welsh domestic football is welcomed, not least because it helps re-address the North-South geographical imbalance in the league.
Until the tension and drama are dialled up again for the league’s European Play-Offs in a fortnight’s time, the mood around the grounds this afternoon will be a mixture of relief, anticipation and regret.
Andy Morrison’s Connah’s Quay seem fired up to claim the runners-up spot and after long respective seasons and fatigued squads, Carmarthen and Cardiff Met may or may not be tussling to finish fifth and earn home advantage in their forthcoming play-off.
The best viewing today could be at Latham Park for the Mid-Wales derby between Newtown and Aberystwyth. Always a good Welsh Premier fixture, results last weekend lifted the pressure from both teams and you sense both sides will want to sign off their league campaigns on a high.
The Welsh Cup final and Europa League Play-Offs are still to come before the curtain closes on what should be considered as a successful 2016/17 season for the Welsh Premier League.
Dafabet Welsh Premier League fixtures (all 5.15)
Bala Town v TNS, Bangor City v Carmarthen (TV), Cardiff Met v Connah’s Quay, Cefn Druids v Airbus UK, Newtown v Aberystwyth, Rhyl v Llandudno
Featured image courtesy of Dave Evans/ Newtown AFC/Welsh Premier League