MATCH DAY PREVIEWS 2025/26
Match Day 1, 18th & 19th July 2025
We kick off our fifth season of Ardal Southern Football this weekend, with 7 games on Friday and 9 games on Saturday. Starting on Friday we have 1 game in the South East, where Abergavenny Town host Caldicot Town at Pen Y Pound Stadium. Last season Abergavenny finished in 12th position, while Caldicot were 3rd in the South East, missing out on a play-off spot on goal difference to Chepstow Town. This fixture finished in a 4-0 win for Caldicot last October, with Ben Donoghue scoring all four goals, going on to be crowned Golden Boot winner with 26 league goals in 29 games. More of the same is expected this season from Donoghue with his partner in crime Laurent Ngunjoh providing 3 assists in that game and finishing with 14 goals himself for the season. Caldicot under the management of Ryan Morley have played Cardiff Corries, Cwmbran Celtic and Hereford Pegasus in pre-season while Abergavenny have played Cinderford Town, Pontyclun, AFC Llwydcoed and Pontypridd. Abergavenny will be relying on the experience of ex-Welsh Premier goalkeeper Ashley Morris again this time round, while the likes of Ali Brisam, Mackenzie Chadwick and Dylan Davies, will play an important role in support for Manager Rhys Llewellyn.
Onto the South West and we have 6 games on Friday. Starting at AFC Llwydcoed, where they host Cardiff Corinthians on their return to the Atlas Arena Welfare Ground after an absence of two seasons. Manager Lewis Holder has signed several new players who have impressed in friendlies against Merthyr Town, Abergavenny, Llantwit Fardre and Penydarren BGC. With two time Golden Boot winner Ricky Carter departing for Penrhiwceiber, Adam Richards and Regan Hawkins are two of the new players signed from Treharris Athletic Western, Hawkins scoring 10 Ardal Goals in 18 games last season a remarkable return for a player aged just 16. Cardiff Corinthians, now under the management of Elliott Matthews, kick the season off as Ardal Southern League Cup holders after their dramatic 5-2 win over Chepstow in the final in May. They have brought several new faces into their squad, with much expected of the likes of Shaquille Harris-Reffell, Jayden Allen and Joel Queni, while Golden Boot winner Aron Davies who scored 29 league goals last season, will be looking to start where he left off last season when he scored a hattrick in the cup final.
Pontardawe Town host Pure Swansea at Parc Ynysderw, with the home side signing several new players and impressing in friendlies against Llanelli Town and Porthcawl. Steve Berry returns for a second spell from Trefelin, while ex Swansea City player Kyle Copp has signed from St Josephs, where he scored 47 goals last season in just 22 games in the West Wales Premier Division. Pure Swansea have undergone a name change from Swansea University and they have played Ynystawe, St Josephs, Undy and Port Tennant Colts in a busy pre-season under the new management of Jack Midwinter. They have signed Alfie Brown who played 26 Ardal games for Pontardawe last season and Sam Wilson from local rivals Morriston Town. Last season’s game at this venue, ended in a 1-1 draw, while Pontardawe will be looking to avenge the 2-0 Ardal Southern Cup defeat. Last season saw both clubs push for a play off spot, with Pontardawe finishing in 4th place and Swansea University as they were then in 3rd spot.
Morriston Town take on Cefn Cribwr at the newly revamped Dingle ground, with the home side finishing 5th and Cefn Cribwr in 6th position last season. Morriston Manager Jonny Martin, will be looking to build on the success of last season and much of the same as this fixture last season will set them off to a great start when Morriston won 3-1. They will again rely on the experience of Steve Cann in goal, ex Ammanford midfielder Kieran Howard and ex Llanelli Town defender Rhys Powell. Meanwhile Cefn Criber Manager Scott Dryden has put his side through a busy pre-season with games against Pencoed, Porthcawl, Undy, Baglan and Newport City. Cefn Cribwr will again rely on the experience of Captain Ross Hooper, Arron Weaver and the Symons brothers, Ben, Rob and Matt, while 17 year old Tomos Owen will be looking to add to his 10 Ardal games in his breakthrough season in senior football.
Two newcomers to the Ardal Southern face each other at Glenhafod Park, when Goytre United fresh from the Cymru South, take on Cardiff Airport, who won the Highadmit Projects South Wales Premier league last season, losing just 2 league games. Cardiff Airport Joint Management Team of Stephen Jones and Tom Morton, will be looking to build on their end of the season 8 game winning streak which culminated in a 3-o South Wales Premier Cup win against Porthcawl Town, 18 year old Alfie Tipples looking ti make his mark at the higher level after 6 league goals in 12 games after signing from Barry Athletic. Goytre United, not to be confused with their namesakes Goytre in the South East, are under the management of Michael Waters, an ex-Wales Under 17 forward, who won 5 caps back in 2001-02 alongside the likes of Ramon Calliste and Richard Duffy. Goytre have had a busy pre-season with games against Cwmbran Celtic, Ton Pentre, Margam and Cambrian United, while a key players will be Joe Holland who has signed from Briton Ferry Llansawel and Kristers Kudrjavcevs signed from Haverfordwest County.
Taffs Well under the new management of Dale Gardiner, take on Seven Sisters Onllwyn at the Gentles Construction Stadium, with marque signing Marcus Jones, returning after spells at Goytre, Newport City and Splott, a mainstay in their side during the 21-22 and 22-23 Cymru South campaigns. Other key signings include Tomos Bodger and Lee Price from Cambrian United, Morgan Ashworth from Ely Rangers, Louie Crowe from Canton and Luca Hajgato from Merthyr Town. Much will also be expected of Paolo Marenghi, who has a wealth of experience with the likes of Llantwit Major, Abergavenny Town and Baglan Dragons, while pre-season has seen games against Merthyr Town, Abercomboi and Cwmbran Town. Seven Sisters Onllwyn, under the management of Richard Herdman, will be looking to kick on after 11th, 10th and 14th place finishes in their first three seasons in the Ardal Southern. After a preseason which saw games against Brevon Corries, Glynneath Town and Penydarren BGC. One newcomer to the squad is Joe Pelosi who scored 7 in 16 games last season for St Josephs in the West Wales Premier League.
The final game in the South West on Friday sees Ynysygerwn take on Penrhiwceiber Rangers, a fixture which was last played two seasons ago, which saw the visitors win 2-1, Penrhiwceiber Assistant Manager Warren Jones scoring an 87th minute winner. The visitors have had games against Giants Grave, Newport City, Carmarthen Town and Caerau (Ely) as Dean Brown looks to take his side back up after the heartbreak finish to their Cymru South season, which saw a 5-5 draw with Carmarthen as Cwmbran Celtic pipped them to safety. The 2023-24 Ardal South West Champions have strengthened their squad with Ricky Carter, two time Ardal Gilden Boot winner signing from AFC Llwydcoed and Dan Bradley bringing experience from his Cambrian & Clydach days. This game sees Nicky Maggs return as manager of Ynysygerwn, and he has overseen pre-season games against Port Talbot Town, Cwmamman United, Briton Ferry Llansawel and Haverfordwest. The experience of Joe Humphries will be vital again after he scored 8 goals in 25 games last season, alongside Bradley Crooks who scored 14 in 29 games, firing Ynysygerwn to 8th place in the South West.
Onto Saturday and we have a further 7 games in the South East and 2 in the South West. Starting with Abertillery Bluebirds who host newcomers Cwmbran Town at Cwm Nant Y Groes. Manager Lee Thomas has overseen a busy pre-season with games against Watsville, Trethomas Bluebirds, Penlan, Rogerstone and PILCS. The Bluebirds squad have been strengthened by several new signings, including Henry Organ from Merthyr Town as this look to improve on last season’s 10th place finish. Cwmbran Town under the management of Dale Clark are unbeaten in 25 games, their last defeat a 3-1 Welsh Cup loss to Penrhiwceiber Rangers last September. They won the Autocentre Gwent Premier League last season remaining undefeated and a key players this season will be ex Cardiff City striker Jaye Bowen who scored 11 goals in 21 games last season alongside Aysa Al-Doori, who scored 16 in 28 games and Sam O’Sullivan who scored 17 in 24 games. Cwmbran have also strengthened with the signings of Kai Wint from Penrhiwceiber and Rhys Tandy from Abergavenny Town.
Chepstow Town take on Abercarn United at Larkfield Park now under the player-management of Harry Waterhouse following the departure of Marc Ingles to Goytre. Waterhouse was a key player last season as Chepstow finished runners up in the South East but lost out to Ynyshir Albions in the play-off final and also lost to Cardiff Corinthians in the Ardal League Cup Final. Several new players have some in to strengthen the squad including Riley Sanok and Lewis Pinchard. Abercarn United Manager Danny Thomas has prepared his squad with friendlies against Nantyglo, Panteg, Pill and New Inn as the club look to finish higher up the table this season than their 13th place finish. Last season’s fixture between the clubs at Larkhill Park, finished in a Chepstow win, Iestyn Davies scoring the only goal of the game.
Tredegar Town face Goytre at the Leisure Centre, with Tredegar Manager Garyn Thomas-Davies looking to improve on last season’s 14th place which normally would have resulted in relegation had it not been for vacancies in the Ardal Southern. Matthew Rowlands has joined the squad from Pickford Stars, while Macaulay Tiffin has signed from Trethomas Bluebirds, while James Price, Tomos Lynch and Ian Pettit continue to give experience to the side. Goytre meanwhile are now under the management of former Chepstow boss Marc Ingles who has brought his trusted coaching team of Alex Stewart and former Wales International Paul Parry with him to Plough Road. Sonny Lewis, Malachi Graham and Ryan Wheeler have also followed from Chepstow, who have featured in pre-season games against Baglan Dragons, Pill. Trethomas Bluebirds and St Mellons. A key signing will also be Miles John who has a wealth of Cymru South experience with Llanelli Town and Cambrian United, along with Chris Ham, the only player to score over 100 Ardal Southern goals as Goytre looking to better last season’s 4th place finish.
A nostalgic day is ahead at Ty-Isaf Park as Risca United return home to face newcomers Caerphilly Athletic after playing all their previous Ardal Southern games at the Centre of Sporting Excellence in Ystrad Mynach. Ty-Isaf Park has hosted Ardal football in the past with Panteg playing at the ground in 2021-22 season. Risca finished last season in 6th place and now under the joint management of Scott Oldridge and Corey Glover will be looking to press for promotion after losing the play off final in 2022-23 to Baglan Dragons. Pre-season has seen games against Cefn Forest, South Gower and RTB Ebbw Vale and new players to the squad include Bryan Quaye from Caerleon, Ahmed Albadr from Cwmbran Town and Lewis Perrett from AFC Pontymister. Caerphilly meanwhile finished as runners up last season in the Highadmit Projects South Wales Premier Division to seal promotion and manager Ian Butterworth has strengthened his squad with several signings including Will Bevan from Trethomas Bluebirds, Saul Tanhai from Treharris Athletic Western and Richard Greaves from Ely Rangers.
Lliswerry are also back in the Ardal Southern after finishing runners up last season in the Autocentre Gwent Premier League and face Croesyceiliog on their return at the Newport International Sports Village. Manager Dean Merrett has seen his side face Cardiff Bay Warriors, Cardiff Draconians, Carmarthen Town, Pontypridd Town and PILCS in preseason and will be relying on the likes of Ashley Sully, Kyle Bassett, Finnlay Chard and Rhys Bevan this season. Croesyceiliog Manager James Kinsella will be looking to improve on their 9th place finish last season and has overseen games against Lucas Cwmbran and Trethomas Bluebirds in pre-season. New players include Callum Wakeham and Osca Balkwill from Cwmbran Celtic, Zach Dyke from Abergavenny and Adrian Maguire from Goytre.
Blaenavon Blues host Undy at the Memorial Ground, with both clubs looking to kick on from last season where the Blues finished in 7th place and Undy 11th. Blaenavon have played Silfil FC, Nantyglo, and Fairfield United in preseason with Manager Ryan Keen looking to the goals of Matt Burns who scored 18 goals in 27 games last season, plus the experience of Luka Bullock between the posts. Undy are under new management with former South Gower boss Ben Leavy, taking over the hotseat at the Causeway. They have played their annual game with Newport County in pre-season, along with games against Cardiff Draconians, Cefn Cribwr, Ponthir, Whitchurch and Pure Swansea. New signings include Aiden Killen from South Gower and Aberystwyth Exiles due Miles Littlechild and Harry Tetlow.
The final game in the South East this weekend sees Canton take on Brecon Corries at Cardiff International Sports Stadium. Canton Manager Daniel Tanhai has over seen pre-season friendlies with Newport County, Clwb Cymric, Cambrian United and Newport Saints as he looks to improve on last season in 5th place finish. Canton will again be relying on the experience of David Trace and Jordan Carey, with youngsters Dafydd Ball, Freddie Bowden and Jack Wheten looking to feature. Brecon Corries finished last season in 8th place and Manager Damien Daniels has put his squad through the paces against Seven Sisters Onllwyn, Heolgerrig Red Lion, Wellington, Builth Wells and Bow Street. Key players for Brecon this season will be Craig Evans who scored 17 goals in 29 games last season, Liam Mcanally and Corey Evans.
Over to the South West and Saturday sees South Gower host Treherbert BGC at Scurlage. Manager Craig Gore has strengthened his squad with the signing of Ben Bowler-Edwards from Evans & Williams, Kallum Peters from Llanelli Town, Dan Quinn from Killay, Matt Turner from Murton Rovers and Owen Morris from Baglan Dragons. Friendlies have included games with Seaside, Baglan Dragons, Rockspur and Cardiff Met, while last season saw South Gower finish in 10th place, where as Treherbert finished in 9th position. The visitors start their second season at this level, with Manager Liam Goatson looking to the experience gained last season in his squad, with captain Christen Bethell, Brandon Thomas, who scored 18 league goals in 30 games, and goalkeeper James Bailey key to a successful season.
The final game on our opening weekend sees Clydach take on Evans & Williams at Coed Gwillym Park. This corresponding fixture last season saw an epic 2-2 draw, Joe Farthing scoring a 90th minute equaliser. Clydach finished the season in 12th place while Evans & Williams went on to finish their debut season at this level in 7th place. Clydach Manager Damien Daley has seen pre-season games against Waunarlwydd Galaxy, Bryncoch and Cwm Wanderers, while a big hole to fill will be the retirement of Steve Reeve, who played all but one game last season and captained the side in goal. Evans & Williams meanwhile have strengthened last season’s squad with the signing of Elliott Jones from Dafen Welfare where he scored 46 goals last season in 39 games and Jordan Badman, signed from Felinfoel. Pre-season has seen games against Trefelin, Pontarddulais Town, Port Talbot Town and Mumbles, while much will be expected from Liam Samuel and Player-Coach Richard Lewis, both Welsh League winners with Llanelli Town.
