Pontyclun were the unfortunate bridesmaids in what was an enthralling Ardal South West title race last time out.
A damaging run of four consecutive defeats in early May ultimately proved costly as the Clun missed out on a top two spot, but the Ivor Park outfit are bidding to hit back with a vengeance in the 2023-24 campaign.
They will undoubtedly be quite the match for Swansea University and Ynyshir Albions who both dropped down from the Cymru South after what was a dramatic relegation battle in the second tier.
The departures of James Williams and Chris Bell serve as a real blow to Pontyclun, although the fact they beat promoted duo Caerau Ely and Baglan Dragons last term serves as proof they are serious contenders to challenge for at least a play-off spot this term.
McCauley Power, Jack Rosser, Aaron Rees, Harvey Baxter, Will Morrish, Mason Kelly, Noah Osborne and Morgan Weaver have all joined Swansea University ahead of their season opener against Port Talbot Town while Chad Goss, Finn Jones and Cory Morgan have made the switch to the Buns.
Penrhiwceiber Rangers – who inflicted two of the aforementioned four late losses on Pontyclun – showed plenty of promise last season and should not be discounted when it comes to talk of the top two this term.
Rangers – who have recruited Reegan Evans and Jarrad Welch during the close season – finished nine points clear of fifth-placed Cefn Cribwr in 2022-23, the same total they were off eventual champions Caerau Ely which shows they aren’t to be messed with.
As for Cefn Cribwr, they are expected to join the likes of Penydarren BGC, Ynysygerwn, Llwydcoed and Mumbles Rangers in being solid mid-table outfits once again.
Challenging for honours will be a huge ask, although this cluster of sides have enough in their ranks to avoid being dragged into the mire too, particularly Rangers who have signed former Swansea City striker Lee Trundle.
Sam Phillips, Iestyn Stone, Kyle Evans, Elis Matthews, James Worthington, Shaun Williams and Jack Teisar have all linked up with Dylan Powell’s Cefn Cribwr side who have indulged in a spot of ‘Rhys-o-mania’, bringing in Messrs Alden, Calloway and Thomas to Cae Gof.
Despite finishing sixth, Penydarren BGC were third top scorers in the league last season, and while they’ve lost talents in Aarran Caffell and Alex Long to Cambrian & Clydach Vale BGC and Ely Rangers respectively, they can still turn over sides on their day.
Cardiff Corinthians and Canton Liberal both gained promotion from the South Wales Alliance League Premier Division while they are joined in the third tier by South Gower and Morriston Town who both came up from the West Wales Premier League.
Corinthians won 22 times and scored 101 goals in their 28 league matches last term while runners-up Canton Liberal won 10 of their final 12 Premier Division games in what was a mesmerising campaign. Write the newly-promoted quartet off at your peril.
South Gower – who have brought in young guns Jesse Suggett and Rhydian Hughes along with players including Levi Assadi, Jefferson Pinheiro and Dion Carroll – kick-start their third tier campaign against a Cardiff Draconians side that beat Cwmamman United on the final day of last season to avoid relegation while sending United down in the process.
The Lydstep Park side will be hoping for far less drama this time around, and that opening day encounter could give a huge insight as to how the race to beat the drop could unfold.
Port Talbot Town and Seven Sisters Onllwyn were both looking over their shoulders for long spells last time out.
Town have signed Dylan George, Jac Sudale, Callum Williamson and Lee Jones to freshen things up in what looks to be a league that will ruthlessly punish any sloppiness this term.
