NEWTOWN’S Latham Park plays host to a FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier on Saturday with the visit of Azerbaijan.

Club secretary Owen Durbridge hailed the Football Association of Wales decision to host the UEFA group eight match in Mid Wales.


The match represents a massive coup for the club which has invested substantially in bringing Latham Park up to UEFA standard.


This season sees the club compete in the elite 12-club Welsh Premier with a televised match against Prestatyn Town at the end of the month also on the horizon.


Durbridge said: “The club would like to thank the Welsh FA for choosing to host such a high profile international in Mid Wales.


“The club has worked hard over the years to develop our facilities and it just reward for our many volunteers and officials who work so tirelessly for the club.”


Wales must win the match to have any chance of sneaking into a play-off spot for the 2011 World Cup in Germany.


Wales are currently fourth in the table with six points from six games but victory over Azerbaijan would see Wales set-up a crunch clash in Sweden in midweek.


Victory in the Värendsvallen in Växjö would see Wales challenge Belgium and the Czech Republic for a coveted play-off place.


Durbridge also underlined the importance of the Dave Smith North Powys Ladies League in ensuring ladies football in Wales remained in the map.


Earlier in the summer Wrexham were elected into the league – underlining the ladies league’s continued development.


“Newtown Football Club has always been big supporter of ladies football in the area and has always had a side in the ladies league.


“With Llanidloes Town Ladies representing Mid Wales in the national league it helps the area compete for big games like this.


“I hope as many people from the area can come down to Latham Park on Saturday to watch an official World Cup qualifier.”


Welsh FA councillor Phil Jones of Caersws added: “This is a great opportunity for players and supporters to see a full international in Mid Wales.”