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Risca United are looking to upset unbeaten league leaders Trethomas Bluebirds as the pair clash at their shared home for the latest instalment of the ‘Mynedd Machen Derby’.

The Bluebirds will technically be the ‘home’ side, despite both playing out of the Centre for Sporting Excellence, when the pair meet for a 7.45pm kick-off tonight [Friday December 1].

Risca, or the Cuckoos as they’re known, sit third in the Ardal South East, seven points behind Trethomas, who have two games in hand over their local rivals.

There isn’t much to separate the two sides coming into this one – in form or distance. If history is anything to go by, the last two games between the pair have resulted in a draw.

When it comes to recent games, Risca are actually the side on the better run, having won their last seven in all competitions, four of which came in the league.

Meanwhile, the Bluebirds made it a ‘perfect ten’ with a 4-2 victory over second place Caldicot Town to extend their unbeaten league run.

They have however lost two of their last four, a 7-0 thumping to Cymru Premier champions TNS in the Welsh Cup, and a league cup loss to Cefn Cribwr – admittedly with a completely changed XI.

“Just another game for us”

Trethomas Bluebirds manager Mark Dunford has played down the rivalry element of the fixture, telling Caerphilly Observer that it will be “just another game for us”.

He continued: “The boys are well rested and have trained well. Every game is a big game at this level, I think when you look around the league, there are a number of squads on paper capable of winning the competition.

“I don’t have to speak to the boys about the derby side of things, we’re focused on the three points.”

Dunford, who was there to watch Risca’s recent cup victory over Morriston Town, spoke about the threat the ‘visitors’ will pose: “We know how to approach Risca and understand their style of play. We try and play our game every week but we obviously tweak it depending on the opposition, this game will be no different.

“We’ve done our homework and we’ll try to exploit when and where we can.”

Despite their remarkable win streak, Dunford insisted he hasn’t had to remind his players to keep their feet on the ground: “We have a very humble bunch of lads in that changing room who know how tough this league is.

“We know it’s a mad record, but with only a third of the season played, we aren’t getting carried away.”

The Bluebirds coach wasn’t too concerned with their midweek 5-1 loss to Cefn Cribwr, explaining it was a “great experience” for the squad players.

“You have to be up for these games”

On the other hand, Risca United manager Simon Berry has suggested he will be leaning into the derby hype, and expects another “fiery” clash.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, he said: “It’s a huge rivalry and a massive game. We know how good they are and deserve respect as the top side.

“The key to the game is going to be stopping their front three who are very good. We create a lot of chances ourselves, and taking them is going to be crucial.

“It’s a big game and we’re expecting a big crowd. You have to be up for these games as a player and a coach. Last season’s matches were fiery and I’m expecting the same this time.”

The Cuckoos should be confident given their recent run of wins, with their last loss coming in September.

“It’s a great run that we’re on and like always we’re going to be going for the win. The boys are training tonight [Thursday November 30] and we’re pretty much at full strength.”