Pontyclun, Swansea University, and Ynyshir Albions have been installed as favourites to win the Ardal South West 2023/24, according to the bookmakers.
Welsh bookmaker DragonBet has given their backing to Barry Quinn’s side to get over the line after a few near misses.
The Clun have finished third the last two seasons – and even had the opportunity to win the league in 2021/22 but lost on the final day and missed out on a play-off spot completely. Last season, they could only watch on as Caerau Ely finished their season later than the rest to win the league.
Pontyclun have lost their top scorer Ben Parry, who scored 10 goals in 28 league games last season to Taffs Well, whilst the likes of James Williams and Tomos Tweedy have also moved up a division, signing for Caerau Ely and Llantwit Major respectively.
Sharing the same odds as Pontyclun are 2019/20 Cymru South champions Swansea University, who have signed eight new players for the upcoming campaign. A lot of the old guard who won the second-tier title three years ago have moved on and now it’s a new era at Sketty Lane.
Ynyshir Albions, relegated last season after one year in the Cymru South, also have the same odds after winning promotion via the playoffs two years ago. The Buns pipped Pontyclun to a play-off that season and then beat Abertillery Bluebirds in an entertaining final. Ynyshir have recruited some local talent, and have hoped to have kept a core of their squad, as they look to bounce back immediately from their demotion.
Cardiff Corinthians – who won the Alliance League, are predicted to be the side that performs the best out of the four new teams in the division. DragonBet believes the Corries will finish in the top half, sharing the same odds as Ynysygerwn, Penrhiwceber Rangers, Penydarren, and Cefn Cribwr.
At the other end of the table, newly promoted Canton Liberal have the longest odds along with Seven Sisters Onllwyn, which means they are being unfancied and are tipped for the drop. Liberal have been fighting at the top end of the South Wales Alliance League and their second-placed finish last year saw them finally promoted.
The Libs beat Cardiff Draconians in the Welsh Cup on Saturday, who are also tipped to be involved in a battle to avoid the drop, whilst newly promoted South Gower from the West Wales Premier League are predicted to be fighting down the bottom.
The Ardal South West 2023/24 season gets underway next Friday when Penydarren BGC v Seven Sisters Onllwyn at the Bont Playing Fields.
To win the Ardal South West
Outright winner
Pontyclun – 4/1
Swansea University – 4/1
Ynyshir Albions – 4/1
Cefn Cribwr – 8/1
Penydarren BGC – 8/1
Penrhiwceiber Rangers – 8/1
Ynysygerwn – 8/1
Cardiff Corinthians – 8/1
Morriston Town – 12/1
Port Talbot Town – 14/1
Mumbles Rangers – 14/1
AFC Llwydcoed – 16/1
South Gower – 20/1
Cardiff Draconians – 20/1
Seven Sisters Onllwyn – 25/1
Canton Liberal – 25/1
Odds via DragonBet and correct at the time of publication*
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