Saturday 14th August will mark 525 days since the last Vale of Glamorgan league game, 525 days of waiting, 525 days of anticipation, but now after 525 days, the wait is over, we are back!!
(Cue epic video promo that I don’t have the budget or footage to do)
This Saturday marks the return of Vale football with the seniors kicking off their season, there’s been friendlies, so many friendlies, but you can’t replicate competitive football. This season there is 23 teams divided into two divisions, 12 in the Premier Division and 11 in Division One.
In the Premier Division it looks like being a very competitive league. At the top, champions Island Marine will be looking to finally defend their crown, but the usual contenders of Holton Road and AFC Rhoose will be looming wanting to take the title, while Cadoxton Barry have risen into the top flight of Vale football along with many new Impish signings and will be seen as serious challengers. There are rumblings about Penarth Town being refreshed and renewed, don’t be surprised to see them on top of the pile. Of course there are the other well established sides like St Athan, Cowbridge, Cardiff Airport, Cogan, Barry Athletic, Tynewydd and newly promoted BVFC, all who will be looking to compete and push their way up the league.
In Division One, the early front runners must be the reserve sides of Vale giants Sully Sports and Vale United, but keep an eye on Rhoose Social who will be looking to make a name for themselves. Holton Road B and Island Marine B will be hoping to push on, while St Athan have a B and a C side in the division. Vale Madrid and Cwm Talwg are always tricky opposition while BV debut their B side. Also watch out for Vale Athletic as they start their maiden season in the league and may well turn a few heads.
In the Prem the big opening day clash is Cadoxton Barry hosting Rhoose at Bryn Y Don, BV play Barry Athletic at St Cyres, Penarth take on Tynewydd at Pencoedtre and Holton Road face Cowbridge at the Butts.
In Division One, at the Butts Rhoose Social play BV seconds and Cwm Talwg take on Vale Madrid, Vale Athletic take to the field against Sully at Pencoedtre, Island Marine B host Vale United at Maslin Park and St Athan B play Holton Road B in St Athan.
No matter the result we’ve all missed it, all the banter, all the excuses, all the refs, all the football. Best of luck to all clubs this season, enjoy it.