It’s the start of the divisional cups this weekend with the focus on the ASRS, Supporters and Dockers Cups. These cups are of huge historical importance to the Vale league with the ASRS Cup dating back to first winners Barry Island in 1911.

St Athan host AFC Rhoose in a tough quarter final for the hosts. Last time out in the league it was Rhoose who eased to victory over St Athan 7-2, Rhoose will fancy their chances of lifting the famous old trophy for the third time in history and have to be slated as early favourites, but St Athan will be hoping to draw on their Barry Cup success last season and cause what would be deemed an upset.

Island Marine welcome Sully Sports to Maslin Park, both sides will fancy this one with Sully actually winning the league fixture 3-2 a couple of weeks ago, extra time and penalties could be a deciding factor in this one. Cowbridge Town and Penarth Town both receive byes into the semi finals with the luck of the draw. League leaders Barry Athletic are not competing in the cup this season.

Of course the red hot favourites for the supporters cup must be the league champions Holton Road, but the cup is always a clean slate and they face a very tricky tie against an always game Tynewydd. Holton Road have won previous games against Tynny this season but Holton Road have won every league game. Expect a hard fought close encounter.

SP Billy will be hoping for a cup run to ease their league worries and have recorded a victory over their cup opposition Cadoxton Imps this season. Imps are in fine form and will be up for the cup, their run of form could well take them all the way to Jenner Park.

Cwm Talwg will come into this tie hoping to secure a final four berth against a Cardiff Airport side who have lost their last five. However, league form counts for nothing in the cup and Airport will have something to prove. Extra time may be required here.

Cogan Coronation host Cadoxton Barry in what should be an excellent tie. Both sides are in the Barry Cup semi finals already this season and will be eyeing a spot in the supporters cup semis too.

The favourites for this one is not quite as clear cut with several sides hopeful of lifting the trophy at the end of the season. League leaders AFC Rhoose B host out of form Cadoxton Athletic but Athletic showed true grit in their last game with just 9 men so a stern test awaits.

Penarth Town B welcome the leagues in form side Barry Vikings to Cwrt Y Vil. Both sides will be eyeing the cup and this one will be a very tight encounter.

Barry Athletic B will play Vale Madrid, the latter’s league position could be misleading as they have scored seven goals in their last two games to show signs of recovery. Athletic B’s up and down form could come into it but if they hit a rich vein of form then they can’t be ruled out.

Third place St Athan B play Island Marine B in another game that could be a tight affair, St Athan B have won both games between the sides this year but both were close encounters, time should be set aide for an extra thirty minutes in this one.

Once again here’s hoping weather permitting all ties get played, check back for a full round up over the weekend.

HD