Abertillery Bluebirds have won the Ardal South East which has also earned them promotion to the Cymru South.
The Bluebirds needed to beat Treowen Stars in their final league match of the season and did just that with a 2-1 win. Brandon Withers scored after eight minutes and Kyle Williams doubled their advantage at the 68th-minute mark. Christian Davies scored a 93rd minute penalty to make for a nervy few minutes but the Bluebirds were able to hold on.
Ben Murphy’s side suffered play-off heartache to Ynyshir Albions last season – losing 3-0 to the ten-man Buns at The Bont Playing Fields but have avoided the lottery of the play-offs by winning the league.
“What a feeling,” said Murphy when reacting to the promotion. Losing the playoff last year was tough but we’ve carried on building and the performance of the boys has been outstanding, only losing one away game all season in a very tough league. Couldn’t be prouder of every single club member.”
The Bluebirds were successful in obtaining the Tier 2 Licence and will have no issues in playing in the division next season. It will be the highest level they have played at after bouncing back from their relegation from the now defunct Welsh League in 2014.
They finished the season with 19 wins, seven draws and four defeats with 59 goals scored and 35 conceded. Thomas Beynon finished as their top scorer with 12 goals in 24 matches.
Aber’s win sees them leapfrog Risca United – who were hoping for an immediate return to the second tier after being relegated last season. The Cuckoos will now wait for the outcome of the Ardal South West promotion race with a play-off at a neutral venue against either Baglan Dragons, Caerau Ely, or Pontyclun.
Abertillery Bluebirds: Shaun Gardiner, Leigh Sharp, Michael Vagg, Jamie Russell, Richard Crees (C), Danny Hillman, Corey Mitchell (Mbongompasi, 85), James Young, Ryan Meredith (Clark, 85), Brandon Withers, Kyle Williams.
Yellow Cards: Leigh Sharp 64′
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