Boxing Day is traditionally a day of local derbies and this year is no exception with some interesting games in prospect in both the Ardal League North East and the MMP Central Wales League South, writes Paul Worts.

Clubs will be desperate to return to action after two weeks of games postponed due to frozen pitches.

In the Ardal League North East, Builth Wells host Rhayader Town with Rhayader manager, Dylan McPhee returning to his former club. And McPhee will be keen to pick up something from the game, with Rhayader currently at the bottom of the tale and facing a real relegation battle.

Builth, on the other hand, will be pleased with their form having embraced life in the new league after moving up from the MMP Mid Wales League.

Llandrindod Wells face a tough assignment away at Caersws for the third meeting between the teams this season.

Llandrindod lost 5-1 at home to The Bluebirds on the opening weekend of the season while Caersws also knocked the Spa men out of the Ardal League North Cup by a similar scoreline. But after a difficult start to the season when Llandrindod admitted they were short of numbers, they have lost just twice in their last 11 league and cup games with the return of Jack Evans after a brief spell with Abergavenny Town a huge boost to player-manager, Gareth Jones.

There are no games in the Ardal League South East with Brecon Corries resuming their league campaign away at Treowen Stars on January 7.

Corries, like Builth, have adapted to life in Tier Three and sit in the top six in the table.

Corries can reflect on a memorable 2022 when they lifted the MMP Mid Wales League (East) title following an epic battle with Builth Wells and Radnor Valley. They also reached the Central Wales Cup Final where they went down 2-0 to Tier Two side, Llanidloes Town.

Hay St Marys and Radnor Valley should maintain the top two spots in the Central Wales League South.

League leaders Hay visit Talgarth Town while Radnor host Penybont United and the form book suggests nothing other than wins for both title contenders, although form often tends to count for nothing in local derbies.

Biggest crowds of the day could well be at Llanandras Park where East Radnor rivals, Presteigne St Andrews and Knighton Town go head-to-head in what is a usually well supported Boxing Day game.

A look at the league table makes Knighton favourites to take the derby spoils but Presteigne manager Corin Jones will be aiming to cause an upset against his former club.

FESTIVE FOOTBALL FIXTURES

Monday, December 26

Ardal League North East (2.00)

Builth Wells v Rhayader Town

Caersws v Llandrindod Wells

MMP Central Wales League South (2.00)

Presteigne St Andrews v Knighton Town

Radnor Valley v Penybont United

Talgarth Town v Hay St Marys