As football derbies go, this is a pretty special one and could be one of the closest in the world. Cwmbran Town FC play Cwmbran Celtic tomorrow evening, with barely 40 metres separating their home pitches.
The game is the opening fixture of the Ardal South East League and the first time they’ve played each other in 16 seasons. It follows Celtic’s relegation from the JD Cymru South and the Crows missing out on promotion to that league in a play-off match.
Celtic are the hosts with the match kicking off at 7pm on Tuesday 28 July. They plan to make the most of the special occasion and are holding a BBQ, selling first goal scratchcards and have a DJ.
Simon Berry, chair of Cwmbran Celtic, said: “It’s been all change at Cwmbran Celtic this season with the relegation last season has seen a lot of players move on. We have a new management team of Sam Lewis and Stephen Muir supported by coaches Conor James, Ryan Thomas and Arthur Furness.
“Pre-season has seen a lot of changes and has taken us a few weeks to get going but it’s been about settling in the new players and embedding them into our philosophy. We are really happy with where the team is at.
“We are looking forward to the visit of local rivals Cwmbran Town on Tuesday which has been a long time coming and we really hope the game will be an entertaining one.
“Cwmbran Town have had a really good couple of years and are now fully established in the Welsh leagues which is good for the local area. We look forward to welcoming everyone to the Motorzone arena on Tuesday.”
Brandon Simpson, first team manager of Cwmbran Town, said: “Pre-season has been brilliant. The squad has put in a massive amount of graft on fitness and tactics, integrating new faces seamlessly. The energy in the group is spot on and everyone is raring to go.
”You couldn’t ask for a better fixture to open the league season. Local derbies always carry extra spice, and playing virtually next door adds a fantastic edge for the whole community.
“We know Celtic will be a tough, well-organised test, but these are the matches players and staff live for. We’re fully focused on hitting the ground running and putting on a big performance to set the tone for our season.”