Back in action!

Guilsfield, Llanrhaeadr and Llanidloes Town will be playing competitive league games very soon after Sport Wales elevated tier two football clubs to elite status.

It means that the JD Cymru North has the green light to start its 2020/21 season, with an announcement due early next week.

A ball hasn’t been kicked in the second tier since March, with clubs waiting for guidance from the Football Association of Wales (FAW), Sport Wales and the Welsh Government.

But now, they can prepare for competitive football after months of playing friendlies with restricted numbers.

All 32 clubs in the second tier have undergone visits from FAW representatives to ensure their grounds are compliant to Covid-19 rules.

It is widely anticipated that the league will decide to play half of the games this season, with clubs playing each other once instead of home and away.

Newtown have been playing their JD Cymru Premier fixtures behind closed doors however a meeting is due next week with the Welsh Government over the possible return of spectators.

But frustration remains for the rest of the football pyramid, which is still playing a waiting game, but the FAW did state yesterday: “The Association is committed to doing all it can to support the potential return of Tier 3 Men’s, which is eligible to be given ‘elite status’ by Sport Wales.

“The Association will also continue its discussions with the Welsh Government to find a way forward for Tier 4 Men’s and Tier 2 Women’s and below.

“The FAW is fully aware of the frustration felt throughout the Welsh Football Family for those leagues that are currently unable to return, but it is important to recognise that the Association is not responsible for the national Covid-19 policies and guidelines.”