Eight clubs from across South Wales apply for promotion to Welsh Football League

The Welsh Football League has received eight applications for promotion to Division Three next season, as a number of clubs battle it out for a place in the fourth tier of Welsh football.

The deadline for the 31st December has passed and the clubs have stated their intentions for the rest of the season. The clubs had to have applied for promotion on the 31st December, so Welsh Football League representatives can inspect their grounds, to ensure that they can pass the criteria.

A majority of the applicants come from the Gwent County League, an area which has seen a number of success stories over the years.

Abertillery Bluebirds, Albion Rovers, Cwmbran Town and Villa Dino Christchurch have all signaled their intentions of progressing from Gwent County football to Welsh League football.

Both Albion Rovers and Abertillery Bluebirds sit first and second, with only goal difference separating the two sides. Abertillery Bluebirds have two games in hand over table-topping Albion Rovers though.

Former Welsh Premier League club Cwmbran Town trail the two sides by four points, whilst Villa Dino Christchurch sit far off in 9th place on 18 points.

Cardiff Draconians, Penydarren BGC, and Sully Sports have applied from the South Wales Alliance Premier Division.

The Draconians who only earned promotion to the Premier Division last season currently sit top, whilst Sully are just three points behind the Cardiff based side.

However, Penydarren has played only nine league games this season due to their commitments in the FAW Trophy and the JD Welsh Cup. The Merthyr side has yet to lose a game this season and have accumulated an impressive 27 points from a possible 27.

The final applicant is Carmarthen Stars, who apply from the Carmarthenshire League. They currently sit ninth in the Premier Division, with a ten point gap between them and Bwlch, with a second-placed finish enough to earn a promotion, should they pass the criteria.