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The table-topping Trethomas Bluebirds are preparing for their toughest challenge yet as they host Cymru South promotion hopefuls Llanelli Town.

Bluebirds manager Mark Dunford, who has been shortlisted for manager of the month, described the tie on Saturday, September 7 as the “feature match” in the division.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer about his side’s start so far, Dunford said: “There’s a real positive environment and mood amongst the boys in the dressing room at the moment.

“Everyone has realised we can compete and challenge at this level, but also the players are relishing the chance to push themselves further.”

In their debut season at this level, the Bluebirds have looked right at home having won their first four league games and drawing their last two.

After a busy schedule which saw them play three matches in a week, Dunford said he’s happy to get back to routine: “It was a lot of effort and took a lot of energy out of the squad to play those games, hence the rotation in the league cup match.

“We’ve trained really well this week though and prepared as best we could for Llanelli, who are of course the favourites to win the title.”

Last season’s runners-up have had an underwhelming start to the season by their standards; they sit in sixth having drawn three games, but are still the only other side along with Trethomas to remain unbeaten.

“A club their size will be expecting to go up this season so we’re fully prepared for a very tough match.”

Dunford went on to add: “We’re hoping to see a good crowd again at the Centre for Sporting Excellence having already recorded higher numbers than some Cymru Premier matches so far.

“It’s the feature tie of the division and should be a great watch.”

The match is due to kick-off at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon in Ystrad Mynach.