Newly-promoted Neath step up their preparations for the 2023/24 season with a warm-up match against Builth Wells at The Gnoll on Friday evening (kick off 7.30pm).

When Ystrad Rhondda pulled out of the final game of last season, it denied supporters (and the Town) the chance to salute Ryan Evans and his team on winning promotion.

So the Club, which has undergone significant changes over the close season, is hoping for a good turn-out of supporters.

Several players are absent through holidays or early-season training strains and coach Patrick Horgan has named a starting line-up which leans heavily on last year’s squad.

Only newcomers to start are wing Josh Congreve (Ystalyfera) and flanker Fletcher Barry, a young protege of forward coach Tim Ryan from Rumney. Llewellyn Hawkes (Neath Athletic) and Tarek Dabeh (Bryncoch) also start.

Some of Neath’s summer recruits will make their Gnoll bows from the replacements’ bench which is yet to be finalised.

Neath v Builth Wells (Home)

15 Louis Rees; 14 Llewellyn Hawkes, 13 Ryan Evans (captain), 12 Ben Atkins, 11 Josh Congreve; 10 Lewis Evans, 9 Elis Horgan; 1 Jack Powell, 2 Chris Morris, 3 Tarek Dabeh; 4 Ioan Jones, 5 Jacob Blackmore; 6 Fletcher Barry, 8 Carwyn Sion, 7 Fergus Kneath

Replacements –  TBC

Referee – Mr. Rhys Jones (Pencoed)

Supporter Information

• Turnstiles at the Town End will open at 6.30pm
• Team sheets with up-to-date news will be available (only £1)
• Season Tickets not valid for non-League games
• Usual non-League match admission applies (£5 Adults, FREE for Under-16’s).