THERE are some big games on both sides of the border this weekend.
JD Cymru Premier champions and leaders TNS make the trip to Newtown in the match of the day with the Powys club among the form teams in the top flight this season.
Chirk AAA host Gresford Athletic on Sunday with the Colliers desperate for a win to ease their growing JD Cymru North basement worries.
Chirk go into the game boosted by a bright display despite defeat at Holywell Town last week.
Coach Gary Jones said: “We hope to capitalise on a strong performance against league leaders Holywell and take three points at home against our local rivals.”
Llanrhaeadr make the trip to Dolgellau AA in the Ardal North East League having knocked their hosts of the Welsh Trophy last weekend.
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Manager Mike Barton said: “It will be a tough game away at Dolgellau.
“Both teams had good look at each other last weekend. With both sides creating plenty of chances goals are expected. If we can defend better as a team I’m sure we can get the win.
“Billy Clarke a recent signing from four crosses is impressing everyone and there is more to come from this lad.”
Llansantffraid make the trip to Brickfield to take on Cefn Albion.
Manager Marc Griffiths said: “Cefn Albion will no doubt be challenging towards the top of the table and will be a massive test for us.
“We are happy with the start we have had but games like this will be a good gauge as to where we are at.”
Former Whitchurch Alport defender Sean Griffiths is added to the squad while Tom Bailey also returns to contention.
Four Crosses take a break from MMP Central Wales League North action when they travel to Corris United in the third round of the Emrys Morgan Cup.
Manager John Reid said: “As a club we are looking forward to travelling down to a very inform team to play in the biggest amateur cup in Wales.
“The lads have been working tirelessly and this is showing in our results and position in the league. We are hoping to carry the momentum from last weekend and progress as far as possible in the Emrys Morgan Cup.”
Llanfyllin Town are also in cup action against Montgomery Town.
Manager Kevin Jones said: "We look forward to meeting up with Montgomery on Saturday for the third time this season.
"We know it will be a tough game, but the lads are up for the challenge, and we hope to overturn the last two results and come away with the win."
Meanwhile Morda United host St Martins in a Salop Leisure Shropshire Premier League derby.
Morda boss Mike O’Reilly said: “It will be a typically tough local derby in what will probably be tough conditions with all the rain we’ve had recently.
“We haven’t played for four weeks so it will take time for us to get back into our stride but we can’t use that as an excuse. As a group we’re looking to make amends for last seasons 3-0 loss to St.Martins.”
St Martins manager Liam Braisdell said: “Morda will be an extremely tough test but one we’ll relish as a group.
“We put on a great performance away at Church Stretton and should have taken points from there.
"We’ll go there with the same mentality and local derby feel.
“Three points would be huge for us but they’re the favourites and there’s no pressure attached to us.”
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