New life awaits Neath League Champions

28 June 2006

Llansawel will begin life in the Welsh League with a trip to the Cape to face Gwynfi United on August 12, writes Owain Johns, www.gvafc.co.uk. 

The Cwrt Herbert-based side will be on the road again four days later down in Newcastle Emlyn and will make their home debut against Risca United the following Saturday. 

They were convincing winners of the Neath & District League last term - their second league success in two years - finishing thirteen points clear of runners-up Onllwyn. 

Wyn Evans, General Manager of Llansawel Football Club, is looking forward to the challenge ahead. 

He said: “The feeling at the club is of pure jubilation and excitement and we all cannot wait for the season to start. 

“We have moved the club forward very quickly in a short space of time and we are very proud of our achievements to date although we appreciate that we have a great challenge ahead. 

“With it being our first season it would have been nice to get our inaugural game in the Welsh League at home but we look forward to welcoming Risca the following Saturday.” 

Asked if Llansawel could emulate the success of many teams that have gone straight through into Division Two, as did west Wales neighbours West End did last season, Evans replied: 

“We feel that we are equipped to do well next year, but I think our main aim is consolidation within Division Three, anything more than that will be a bonus, but of course we will be giving it our best to finish as high as we can.” 

In the Shamrock Travel League Cup they have been given home advantage against Second Division outfit Merthyr Saints who will make the trip down the A465 on September 9. 

“The cup draw could have been worse but we are very happy that we managed to get a home draw against Merthyr Saints,” added Evans. 

Llansawel will prepare themselves for the next chapter in their short history with top pre-season matches against the likes of Ely Rangers, Maesteg Park and neighbours Neath Athletic. 

Llangeinor (South Wales Amateur League) and Aberbargoed Buds (Gwent County League), along with Llansawel, were officially accepted into the Welsh League at their AGM in Maesteg on Saturday.