THERE are a pair of tussles at the top of the Cymru South in Gwent this weekend as Trethomas Bluebirds and Newport City aim to extend strong starts to the season that have put their bosses in contention for an award.

The Bluebirds are setting the pace after winning four and drawing two of their six games since heading up as Ardal South East champions, although they did suffer a Welsh Blood Service League Cup (South) defeat to Caerau Ely last time out.

They face a big test on Saturday when welcoming much-fancied Llanelli Town to CCB Centre for Sporting Excellence.

The Reds are also unbeaten but have been held to four draws to go along with two victories, although they are fresh from a penalty shootout defeat to Newport City in the cup.

The Steelmen, fourth and three points back on Trethomas, will aim to enjoy another Spytty Park success when they host second-placed Trefelin.

That means a potential encounter with Swansea legend Lee Trundle, who scored the opener for the Swans at the ground when they beat Newport County 3-1 in the FA Cup almost 18 years ago.

The 47-year-old has been a firm fixture in Welsh club football in recent seasons with action at Neath, Llanelli, Haverfordwest, Ammanford, Mumbles and now a second spell with Trefelin.

They also signed former Swansea and Wales midfielder Shaun MacDonald from Cymru Premier Penybont in the summer.

Trethomas and Newport have hit the ground running since heading up from Ardal SE and their exploits have led to their bosses being nominated for manager of the month.

Mark Dunford and Sam Houldsworth are in the running for the gong along with Trefelin’s Andy Hill.

The Bluebirds could have an awards double with Ethan Edwards in the mix for player of the month for August after scoring five times in the league.

The 21-year-old is up against Pontypridd’s Liam Eason and Carmarthen’s Noah Daley with a fans’ vote combined with a league and independent voting panel to determine the winners.

Cwmbran Celtic enjoyed their best win of the season last time out in Cymru South when they beat Ammanford 4-0 thanks to goals by Tom Meechan (2), Cole Doolan and Dom Connor.

Simon Berry‘s side were beaten 3-2 in the cup by Taffs Well – with talisman striker Alex Bonthron dismissed for a second yellow card in added time – but they will hope to build some league momentum on the road to Baglan Dragons, who haven’t won since the start of August.

FAW Trophy action means there are only three fixtures in Ardal SE with Brecon Corries hosting Blaenavon Blues, Tredegar traveling to Caldicot and Chepstow at home to Croeysceiliog.

Cymru South: Afan Lido v Caerau Ely, Ammanford v Penrhiwceiber Rangers, Baglan Dragons v Cwmbran Celtic, Cambrian United v Taffs Well, Goytre United v Carmarthen Town, Newport City v Trefelin BGC, Pontypridd United v Llantwit Major, Trethomas Bluebirds v Llanelli Town.

Ardal South East: Brecon Corries v Blaenavon Blues, Caldicot Town v Tredegar Town, Chepstow Town v Croesyceiliog.

FAW Amateur Trophy (South East): Abertillery Bluebirds v Thornwell Red and White, AFC Pontymister v Treowen Stars, Albion Rovers v AFC Wattstown, Bridgend Street v Llanrumney United, Cwmbach Royal Stars v Newport Corinthians, Graig Villa Dino v Abergavenny Town, Mardy v Abercarn United, Nelson Cavaliers v Goytre, Newbridge Town v Nantyglo, Pentwynmawr Athletic v Clydach Wasps, Risca United v Bettws.