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Aberbargoed Buds FC have won the Gwent Premier League to secure promotion back into the Ardal South East – the third tier of Welsh football.

After a controversial ‘demotion’ last season, Aberbargoed Buds manager John Lewis is proud of his side, who have won a league-cup double in a season where the Buds lost just one league game.

Speaking to Caerphilly Observer, he said: “We’re back where we belong. We should never have been demoted but we didn’t moan and focused on the task at hand this year.”

The Buds were dealt a 30-point deduction last season after fielding two ineligible players, which saw them drop out of the Ardal South East.

Lewis continued: “We played some fantastic football this season, losing just one game early on. We beat Abercarn 4-1 to the secure the title which felt great.”

Aberbargoed also lifted the Gwent County Senior Cup after beating Newport Corinthians 2-0. On that result, Lewis said: “It was a close first-half but then we got the ball down and started playing some football.

“We have a great group of players and this confidence should take us into next season where our expectation will be to compete for the title.

“It’s been a good season for the club. Our youth team won their division and we’re looking to upgrade some facilities to keep growing. We’re excited for the future.”