With the brand new VOGAFL season less than two weeks away and with the fresh shake up of two strong divisions, we take a look at each club and what they can offer in the coming season.
PREMIER DIVISION
Cadoxton Imps – the Imps upset the odds last season by finishing runners up in division one, this season the highly ambitious club fancy being the dark horses in the Premier Division as they look to continue their great end of season form.
Cogan Coronation – A well run club with plenty of experience, finally back in the Premier Division they’ll be looking to establish themselves as a corner stone of the division.
Cardiff Airport – They’ll want to find consistency this season after last years mid season slump, but form picked up substantially at the end of the season. A good preseason has turned some heads and look out for this Alliance clubs reserve side to be players this season.
Cowbridge Town – Premier Division stalwarts, always bring a side full of youth and athleticism feeding off their excellent youth set up. A team capable of challenging if living up to potential. Their Barry Cup success last campaign shows exactly what they can do on their day.
Holton Road – Watch out Premier Division, this outfit come full of confidence. Having won the division one title in January, then adding two cups, they’ll be looking to be right in the mix come the seasons end, and they could keep their momentum going all the way to the title.
Island Marine – a side that couples fine football and physicality in a perfect blend, will cause every side they play problems and will be wanting to really push on and establish themselves as a top 4 side.
Penarth Town – Consistency is key for Penarth, having lost nearly as many as they won last season, they could have been title challengers but fell short. A quiet close season, but expect them to come out of the gates on fire and don’t be surprised to see them up there.
St Athan – A rise and fall story if there ever was one, regular title contenders for three straight years to rock bottom of the league last season. A total reshuffle over the summer, can a Phoenix rise from the flames? A mid table finish would be seen as a successful campaign.
Sully Sports – Another club that need to bounce back after a disappointing season last term, plenty of new faces in their own reshuffle, improvement and climbing up the league has to be the aim. The edge of Sully cliffs is always a tough away trip.
Tynewydd – A staple of Vale football in Barry, this sides’ work rate will be second to none, look out for them to upset the apple cart a few times this term, do not overlook them.
AFC Rhoose – For us in the offices, the preseason title favourites, their ASRS Cup win last season will serve as a taster to further success. An attacking side that have a clinical edge, full of goals and with some good additions over the summer don’t be surprised to see them lift the trophy come May.
Barry Athletic – The reigning champions, they set out to make it a hat trick of three championships in a row. But, the disappointment of play off defeat can be a hard thing to overcome, or can it be the motivation to get back there. Make no mistake, Athletic will be fighting tooth and nail all season to keep their crown.
DIVISION ONE
AFC Rhoose B – Despite losing many of their division two title winning side, they come with a strong and experienced side, they’ll be right in the mix come the end of the campaign.
Barry Athletic B – Always a tough game, ready for a battle, the experience of their wily manager always helps.