The wait is finally over, after 1218 days the Reds return to the Aran Premier on Sunday. The new season starts as Briton Ferry Llansawel travel to Aberystwyth for their opening game.
After a perfect season last year winning 12 from 12 in the league and then winning in the play-off to gain promotion the Reds are looking to start their campaign in a positive fashion. With the core of last season squad signed on for another season the Reds have the additions of experienced midfielder Tija Richardson who joins from last years champions Cardiff City.
Maia Owen has also signed for Ferry this season from the FAW Academy and has been firing in goals in pre season. Aimee Heath has also been added to the squad and returns for another spell at the Reds.
Manager Rhys James shared the excitement for the new season,
"Everyone at the club is really looking forward to being back in the Adran Premier.
"With the professionalism the club has, the hard working people behind the scenes and the talent in the team.
"This is the league the club should be in and I'll try my very best to make sure we stay there."
Aberystwyth has seen many changes to their squad over the summer with Gwenllian Jones, Elin Jones and Niamh Duggan all leaving to join Cardiff Met. Margot Farnes has also left the club and Kelly Thomas has retired. Chelsea Herbert has come in from Swansea City and Hannah Davies has arrived from Cardiff met. The club finished in fourth in last years table but failed to win a single game during phase two. They did finish strong with two draws against seconded placed Swansea City.
The last meeting between the sides came in Feb 2023 in a Welsh Cup semi Final. Goals from Lowri Baker, Megan Kearle and Fleur Jenkins sending the Reds into the final with a 3-0 win. Rhys James shared his memories from that historic day saying,
"The last meeting was a great day for the club, a Welsh Cup semi final and tremendous support from people who came to watch.
"We were brilliant on the day and for the 1st time in the clubs history, we reached the Welsh Cup Final."
He was however quick to underline how this match will be entirely different to that game.
"They are under new management, with new players so this will be a completely different game.
"We are 100% focused on the task ahead and we are hoping to start the league brightly showing what we can bring.
"They are going to cause us lots of problems but we have to be really up for the test and after seeing us in training this week, we certainly will be."
Match Info
Opponents: Aberystwyth Town
Competition: Genaro Adran Premier
Venue: Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1PG
Kick Off: 14:00
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