Match Preview – Treowen Stars v Pontypridd United
🏆 Novira Cymru South
📅 Saturday 1 August 2026
⏰ Kick-off: 2:30pm
📍 Bush Park
Competitive football returns to Bush Park on Saturday as we begin the new Novira Cymru South season with a home fixture against Pontypridd United.
After an encouraging first campaign at this level, we will be looking to build on last season’s ninth-place finish and make a positive start in front of our home support.
However, we could hardly have been handed a tougher opening fixture. Pontypridd are third favourites to win the league and arrive at Bush Park as one of the most highly fancied teams in the division.
We adapted well to life in the second tier last season, collecting 37 points from our 30 league matches and finishing ninth in the table. It took us time to adjust to level and this is something we cannot allow to happen this season, we have to start the campaign well.
New faces at Bush Park
There have been several changes to our squad during the summer.
Goalkeeper Shaun Gardiner has joined following the departure of Cameron Clarke, while Ryan Wheeler and Lloyd Oliver have arrived from Goytre.
Midfielder Isaac Powell has signed from Cwmbran Celtic, adding further quality and energy in the middle of the pitch.
The standout attacking addition is Tom Hillman. The former Cambrian United and Llanelli Town forward brings significant Cymru South experience and strengthens an attack that was already among the most productive in the division last season.
Elliott Humphries, Lewis Green and Jordan Needs are among those to have departed Bush Park during the summer and we wish them well on their new challenges.
Much-fancied Pontypridd provide a tough opening test
Pontypridd finished 11th last season, three points and two places behind us, but expectations are considerably higher at the club going into the new campaign.
The Dragons are third favourites to win the league and will be aiming to challenge towards the top of the table during Matthew Driscoll’s first full season in charge.
Driscoll took over from Mark Dunford in December and guided Pontypridd through the second half of the campaign. With the majority of last season’s squad retained and several experienced additions brought in, they are expected to be one of the division’s strongest sides.
Three of their summer signings have arrived from Newport City, with James Bloom, Clayton Farrah and Richard Noyes moving to Treforest. Attacker Kofi Rowe has also joined in a statement signing from the club.
Although only three points separated the clubs in last season’s final table, Pontypridd’s summer recruitment and status as third favourites show the size of the challenge awaiting us. With both sides possessing plenty of attacking quality, the opening game of a new season promises to deliver an exciting afternoon of football at Bush Park.
The first game of a new season is always a special occasion, and we are looking forward to welcoming our supporters back to Bush Park.
Your backing can make a huge difference, Come along, get behind the players and help us begin the 2026/27 campaign with a positive result.
Admission
Adults £7
Concessions £4
Under-16s free
