MATCH PREVIEW: CARMARTHEN V CARDIFF CITY

The Old Gold and the Bluebirds have had a number of connections in recent years. Carmarthen’s current manager is former City defender Mark Aizlewood. The former Welsh international made 39 appearances with three goals during his time at the club between 1994 and 1995. Aizlewood is not the only former City player now at the West Wales club. Former youth products Alex Evans and Kyle Bassett now apply their trade at Richmond Park along with Danny Thomas who doubles up as both one of Town’s coaches and as a striker.

Back in 1998, Cardiff City signed Carmarthen Town’s captain Mark Delaney. The talented right back had been given the captaincy at Richmond Park at just 20 years old. Delaney went onto make 28 appearances for Cardiff before becoming a club favourite at Aston Villa, a club where he still remains as a youth coach.

Before the Bluebirds moved to Cardiff City Stadium, they temporarily shared Ninian Park with Carmarthen Town. City’s old ground was Town’s home pitch for one game during their 2005/6 UEFA Cup qualifying tie with FC Copenhagen. The Danish outfit ran out 2-0 winners on the night and 4-0 on aggregate.

The two clubs have not only met in friendly fixtures. During the early 2000s they faced each other in the now defunct FAW Premier Cup. A goal from former Bluebird Danny Thomas and one from Nathan Cotterall gave Carmarthen a 2-1 win against City in the 2005/06 edition of the tournament to progress to the semi final. Cardiff won the tournament once in 2002 beating Swansea City in the final thanks to a Graham Kavanagh winner.

Carmarthen’s goalkeeper could have a busy afternoon if the fixture is anything like the friendly prior to last season and could prove vital for the hosts. The Town stopper has plenty of experience with 247 Welsh Premier League appearances since his debut for Haverfordwest back in 2006. He was a ever present figure last season for the Old Gold featuring in all 32 league games for the club and will no doubt be as important this year. 

Mark Jones has signed for Carmarthen this summer from Aberystwyth Town. He managed 11 goals last season for the Black and Greens and will be looking to take this form into the 2015/16 campaign. In the three pre season games that Town have had so far Jones has already netted twice and could be the main threat for City’s defence coming Saturday afternoon. 

During last years pre-season campaign City travelled to Meadow Gate, the home of Haverfordwest County, to face Carmarthen Town. It proved to be a fruitful journey west as the Bluebirds ran out 3-0 victors. First half goals from Nicky Maynard and Joe Mason and a 59th minute Kiko Macheda strike gave City a comfortable victory against the Welsh Premier League side.