As Newcastle Emlyn prepare to host Welsh League Division Three leaders Llanwern on Saturday speculation is mounting over whether the Reds can ward off relegation and with it a return to the Costcutter League.

Emlyn were promoted to senior football at the start of season 2000-2001 and have retained their status ever since although sometimes by a whisker.

At the end of season 2007-2008 under player/manager Mathew Price the Reds won promotion to the Second Division and finished seventh in their first season.

Since those days the Teifisiders have returned to the basement division and last term finished in the bottom three. They were reprieved from a return to local football by the merger of Bridgend Town and Bryntirion Athletic, which meant that only two teams were relegated instead of three.

As it stands Emlyn are third from bottom having played more games than their relegation rivals. The Reds have been victorious three times in 17 outings and have 19 games in which to turn things around.

When Emlyn visited Spytty Park in Newport in November they went down 2-0 after putting up a spirited performance against Llanwern. Even with home advantage it is likely to be a big ask from them on Saturday when a win could kick start their season.

The pyramid system in Welsh football allows the South Wales FA, Gwent FA and West Wales FA to nominate one club apiece for promotion to the Welsh League. The nominated club must be champions or runners-up and have a ground that conforms to Welsh League criteria.

If three clubs are promoted the bottom three in the Third Division will be relegated irrespective of geography.