Vale of Glamorgan Football League Preview 2/2/19

It’s a big weekend in Premier Division as leaders Barry Athletic look to extend their lead at the top as they host Island Marine in the third Barry Island derby of the season. Athletic come into the game off the back of a last gasp winner last week against Penarth Town, making it three wins in a row. Island Marine are in indifferent form having lost two of their last three. Athletic are somewhat of a bogey side for Marine, and we have to go back two years to 2017 since the last league victory for Marine against Athletic. Since then it’s been five in a row for Athletic in the derby in the league, winning the last meeting a few weeks ago 4-1.

Penarth Town host AFC Rhoose in an intriguing fixture that could have a big impact on the title race. Penarth’s title dream is mathematically over but second spot is still very much attainable. AFC Rhoose are three points ahead of Penarth but have played three games less. Rhoose are still chasing Athletic at the top and know they must keep winning to keep some kind of pressure on the leaders.

St Athan come into the game looking for their first league win in seven against a Cowbridge Town side who sit ten points ahead of them in the league. Town come into the game without a win in two games, but a win and results going their way could put them in contention for second. The last two meetings saw a win a piece for either side.

Cwm Talwg host Division One Champions Holton Road in their first outing since clinching the title. Holton Road now look to emulate Llantwit Major reserve teams achievement of last season by winning every league game, that was 16 out of 16, Holton Road have already done 15, and this being the first of six still to go. Talwg come in with three wins in their last five but know they face a mighty challenge.

It looks set to come down to Tynewydd, Cadoxton Imps and Cogan Cornation in the battle for second spot. Tynny travel to play Cadoxton Barry, who themselves could be in contention if they win this very game. Tynny have won the last three while Caddy Barry have lost their last two. Tynny won the last meeting between the two clubs 2-0.

In a big game of the day, fourth place Cogan Cornation play third place Cadoxton Imps

Imps have found fine form and have only two defeats in the last ten league games, both against the all conquering leaders. Cogan’s big issue this season has been consistency but it looks like they may have found it just in time with two successive big wins ahead of this huge Division One clash, and great test for both sides.

Speaking of consistency, Cardiff Airport suffered from struggling to find some earlier in the season but now their form has deserted dipped having lost their last five league games. They play SP Billy, who despite their league position come into the game in somewhat better form. This could be a sleeper hit of the weekend, expect goals.

Division Two is wide open now following Barry Vikings victory over AFC Rhoose B last weekend. Rhoose B now sit on top by goal difference only now being locked on points with Vikings, plus St Athan B are a point behind both sides. Rhoose B though do have a game in hand. On Saturday the leaders travel to play Island Marine B in a very tricky encounter. Rhoose B will need to find their early season form for this one.

The divisions inform side Barry Vikings host Vale Madrid, Vikings will be looking to pounce on any slip up by Rhoose B and are on a mission for the league title. But they play bottom of the league Vale Madrid who shocked Rhoose B a couple of weeks ago, before scoring four in defeat against Penarth, the seeds of a revival could be on the cards.

Finally Cadoxton Athletic host Barry Athletic B, Caddy have suffered from a host of bad luck in recent weeks and come into the game off six straight league losses. Barry Athletic B’s position of fifth suits their up and down season, but if they can string together a run of wins they could be pushing top three.

Let’s hope frozen pitches and snow don’t cause any problems over the weekend and all games get played as this fascinating season continues.

HD