Aberystwyth Town return to Aberystwyth University Park Avenue tonight (16 October) following two games on the road and are up against table toppers The New Saints in what should be an intriguing match.

Goals were certainly not in short supply during Aber’s two trips north over the last 10 days. A 4-0 victory at Cefn Druids was followed by a 5-2 reverse at Bala Town and Gavin Allen’s men now sit seventh in the JD Cymru Premier table, with eight points from eight games, perfectly poised to make a challenge for the top six in the remaining two thirds of the first league phase.

Captain Marc Williams has led the way in the last couple of games, with a goal in each, including a terrific header from a delicious Mathew Jones cross in Saturday’s televised game at Bala.

He was joined on the scoresheet by Jonathan Evans, Steff Davies and Jack Thorn at Cefn Druids and by Steven Hewitt, who scored his first goal for the club at Maes Tegid.

Whilst Aber’s attacking talent has taken much of the limelight, Connor Roberts must also be given much praise for his recent displays, which included some top class saves that certainly did not go unnoticed by Sgorio’s commentary and punditry teams at the weekend.

Unfortunately, Connor will be ineligible for Friday’s match, along with Louis Bradford, as they cannot play against their parent club.

Gavin Allen also has some injury concerns to contend with as Mathew Jones left the action early on Saturday, as did Jonathan Evans the previous Tuesday. Jack Thorn also continues to self-isolate.

Manager Allen was pleased to be able to get his team back on the training pitch this week, with no midweek fixture.

He said: “It’s nice to train to be truthful, we’ve travelled from north to south in the last month and we haven’t had time to do much training with the boys because of their recoveries.”

Friday’s visitors, The New Saints, are a formidable opponent. So far this season they have played seven league matches and have won every one, scoring 26 goals in the process and not conceding a single goal.

Following Tuesday’s 1-0 win over Connahs Quay, they sit two points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Their manager, Scott Ruscoe, knows this league as well as anyone and has made some astute signings over the summer, all with good Cymru Premier experience, as his team look to regain the title following it being awarded to Connahs Quay last season – the first time since 2011 that The New Saints haven’t taken home the crown.

The club have thanked Bala Town and Sgorio for joining them in a touching minute’s silence for Tony Payne at Maes Tegid last Saturday.

With Friday night’s game being the first home fixture since Tony’s passing, a minute’s silence will be held pre-match to remember Tony at the ground he served tirelessly and so dearly cherished.

There will be no admittance to supporters for Friday’s match, but The Black & Green Army can listen to the whole game live on BBC Radio Wales, with coverage starting at 7pm.