Friday, 15 August 2014

Welsh Football League preview

Reigning Welsh League champions Monmouth Town begin the defence of their Division One title with a home clash against newly promoted Cardiff Met University tomorrow, WRITES CARL FIELD.

It is also the start of a new era for Town, who are now based at Pen-y-Pound Stadium in Abergavenny, with manager Andrew Smith beginning his second spell in charge of the Kingfishers.

He took over following Steve Jenkins’ departure to Merthyr Town, while Adam Davies, Corey Jenkins and prolific marksman Dan MacDonald have all followed Jenkins to Penydarren Park.

One team who will be looking to wrestle the title away from Monmouth this season are Goytre United who, despite finishing ninth last season, have set out their intention to challenge at the top end of the table this term.

United open their campaign at home against last season’s seventh-place finishers Caerau (Ely).

Goytre, meanwhile, will hope to put the disappointment of narrowly missing out on the top three last season behind them when they kick off their season at AFC Porth.

All eyes will also be on Afan Lido – relegated from the Welsh Premier League – as they begin life in Division One of the Welsh League with a home fixture against Ton Pentre.

However director of football Mark Robinson has stated this week that the club’s aim is to consolidate - rather than going all out for an immediate return to the Welsh Premier.

Other Promoted sides Garden Village and Briton Ferry Llansawel both begin their campaigns on the road at Aberdare Town and Taffs Well respectively, while Penybont start at home against Haverfordwest County.

The first Division One fixture of the season is this evening, with Cambrian & Clydach hosting last season’s League Cup finalists Pontardawe Town.

In Division Two tomorrow, all three of the clubs relegated from Division One last season are all on the road.

Tata Steel visit Chepstow Town, West End are at Ely Rangers while Aberbargoed Buds make the trip to Undy Athletic.

Division Three champions Barry Town United open their Division Two campaign against Dinas Powys.

Follow Carl Field on Twitter: @mrcarlfield



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