Buckley and Brickfield set for promotion play off
The JD Welsh Premier League and Huws Gray Alliance are all wrapped up, but the third tier of North Wales football is locked in a dramatic fight for promotion.
Only Buckley Town and Brickfield Rangers can go up into the Huws Gray Alliance – and they’re locked in a fierce title battle – with Buckley in first place on 65 points, and Brickfield second on 61 points.
And the Welsh National League Premier Division sides meet at Buckley’s Globe Stadium on Saturday, in a game that could decide the league winners and promotion.
Buckley need a point to be crowned champions, whilst Brickfield head into the game knowing only a win will do to keep their title bid alive.
If Brickfield win, they will go a point behind Buckley and must win their final game of the season against Llay Welfare on Wednesday evening.
Both sides have enjoyed strong seasons in the Premier Division after starting as favourites for the league championship.
Buckley came into the league after relegation from the Huws Gray Alliance, with Brickfield tipped for promotion after they pushed eventual champions Queens Park for much of the 16/17 campaign.
But end of the season has been full of twists and turns, with Buckley slipping to a 2-1 defeat at Llanuwchllyn and Brickfield managing only a point in a 0-0 draw against Chirk AAA.
A big crowd is expected on Saturday to see either Buckley clinch the title or Brickfield take a massive step towards their first title.
The two sides’ previous meeting came just two weeks ago when they played out a tense 1-1 draw at Brickfield.
Dale Davies sent Brickfield ahead in the second half but a reply from Aled Bellis ensured the spoils were shared.
They also met in the league cup semi final where Brickfield ran out 2-1 winners, meaning Buckley are looking to defeat the Wrexham side for the first time this season, in their final match of the campaign.
Brickfield manager Simon Sedgwick spoke to Y Clwb Pel Droed ahead of the game.
He said: “We know exactly what we’ve got to do on Saturday. It’s going to be another tough game, but after some players were unavailable midweek, we take a rested and largely full strength side to Buckley.
“The lads are chomping at the bit as they want to go and win this game. They’ve played eight games in 17 days but there are no excuses, we will be prepared.
“I think it’s going to be a good advert for the Welsh National League in front of a big crowd hopefully. Buckley have done really well after once being 12 points behind us.
“We had enough chances to win last time out against them, so tomorrow our goal is simple; go and win the game.”
Featured Image: Nick Johnston
