CWMBRAN Celtic have been dealt a blow after prolific striker Alex Bonthron left for Cinderford Town.

The 31-year-old was the golden boot winner in Cymru South last season after scoring 30 times and he had netted three times in seven league games in the current campaign.

Bonthron recently impressed for Wales in the UEFA Regions' Cup – scoring in all three games – but will now head over the border to play for Cinderford.

The striker, whose goalscoring exploits in Gwent previously earned a move to Merthyr, will play in the Central League, Division One South.

“New challenge,” Bonthron posted on social media. “Thank you Cwmbran Celtic for everything, great club and even better people.”

Celtic will aim to show that they can cope without their dangerman when they host Caerau Ely in a big game in the bottom half of Cymru South on Saturday.

Both the 10th-placed visitors and 12th-placed Cwmbran, who were thumped 5-0 at high-flying Cambrian last time out, are just two points off bottom club Taffs Well in the 16-team league.

Newport City are having a sticky spell and face a tough challenge when they travel to Llanelli for a Friday night fixture.

The Steelmen have lost three on the spin with 1-0 league losses to Carmarthen and Pontypridd either side of a Welsh Cup upset at Monmouth.

Llanelli are unbeaten in Cymru South but are down in fifth after drawing five and winning three of their eight fixtures.

It was level-pegging when the sides met in the League Cup at the end of August when Newport progressed at Spytty Park on penalties.

POINT: Trethomas Bluebirds had to settle for a share of the spoils against Llantwit MajorPOINT: Trethomas Bluebirds had to settle for a share of the spoils against Llantwit Major (Image: Rob Hill Photography)

Leaders Trethomas Bluebirds, who drew 1-1 with third-placed Llantwit Major last weekend, also head west when facing Carmarthen Town on Saturday.

It’s another serious test of the Ardal South East champions with the hosts just three points back on Mark Dunford’s side.

Fixtures

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

Ardal South East: Saturday - Blaenavon Blues v Caldicot Town, Tredegar Town v Chepstow Town.

FAW Amateur Trophy, round two: Friday - Goytre v Abergavenny Town, Risca United v Newport Corinthians; Saturday - Abertillery Bluebirds v Abercarn United, Bridgend Street v Clydach Wasps, Treowen Stars v Newbridge Town.