24-07-05: The new season!

Less than a month to go until to new season kicks off and here's our early impressions of what joys the new campaign will bring. The season opens with the first round of the newly revamped League Challenge Cup, currently held by Carmarthen Town. Gone now is the two-legged format for this stage so it's a case of winner takes all. Caersws crashed out to Cwmbran Town at this stage last season, with both the Home and "Away" legs taking place at the Recreation Ground due to the Cwmbran Stadium not up to hosting ties at the time. As yet, the Bluebirds don't know who they're due to face in this round, having been drawn away to the winners of Caernarfon Town and Cardiff Grange Quins (who meet in the Preliminary Round).

Should Caernarfon be victorious the omens aren't good for Caersws' chances of progression as they meet at the Oval a week later in the League curtain raiser, and when they played the Canaries in an away cup and league double-header last season it spelt the end of Caersws' Premier Cup run. Fingers crossed that lightening doesn't strike twice.

The first home league game takes place on the 30th of August but it couldn't really be tougher. Newly taken over Llanelli AFC - with six full time professionals in their ranks - are our first visitors and are something of an unknown quantity. With so many new players in the squad it may take some time for them to gel as a team so this could work in the Bluebird's favour.

Next up is the first derby of the season away to Maesydre in Welshpool. Quickly followed by the league's only other full time squad - and reigning champions - relatively fresh from their exploits against Liverpool in the Champions League, Total Network Solutions. In this fixture last season the Bluebirds managed a 0-0 draw, though earlier in the season they were thumped 5-0 at Treflan (ahhh, my first Caersws game!), almost a year to the day before this game!

The next home game (following a trip to Port Talbot) proves that someone really does hate Caersws, bringing a third member of the league's big four to the Recreation Ground in successive home games. Fortunately there's a little respite after this, with us having to wait till December for the visit of Rhyl. But still, all four before Christmas! Suppose it could be worse, could be away.

Another fixture of note sees the return of the successfully piloted local derby double-headers over the new year. Boxing Day again sees us take on Newtown AFC, this time at home first and the return is on the 2nd of January at Latham Park.

Early indications show that this could be a tight season. TNS are really expected to retain their title, with full time status and increased interest in them following recent European games. Llanelli should prove a challenge to anyone playing them next season and should get stronger as time progresses though I don't quite see them as title contenders just yet. Rhyl and Bangor always do the semi-professional contingent proud and TNS a run for their money so the same is expected from them. I feel that fifth is probably where Caersws will finish this season, being the strongest side outside of the "big four." However, the early days of the season could see them take vital points of the big boys, which could see them improve their position. European qualification will most probably have to come via the Welsh Cup. I'm also hoping for an extended run in the Premier Cup, and hopefully, a home tie with my beloved Swansea City. Not that I'm biased!