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After narrowly missing out on promotion to the JD Cymru South last season, Risca United are looking to go one step further this year with the Ardal South East league set to get underway.

On Saturday August 5, a new season will commence and the Cuckoos have their eyes firmly set on promotion. Manager Simon Berry spoke to Caerphilly Observer about his sides preparations and expectations.

He said: “We’re really excited. Last season was difficult to take after missing out on winning the league and then losing in a playoff game, but we’re feeling good.

“We have lost two big players in Dan Spencer and long-time captain Josh Clayton, but I think we’ve made some great signings who have bonded well with the lads and bring some much needed experience.”

Berry also added that Risca are set to announce two exciting singings shortly.

On preseason itself, Berry said: “Obviously wins and losses aren’t important but we’ve had a very strong few games against four sides, with a lot of goals scored – which was our problem last season as a team who have a lot of possession.

“We’ve got two more games this weekend and there’s that much competition that I’m fielding two sides which is a nice problem to have.

Risca will open up their league campaign on the road against Undy AFC, who came fourth in the league last season.

“They’ll be a tough test”, said Berry. “A very established side with good players who beat us at their place last season”, he added.

Asked what the focus is this year, Berry said: “It has to be to get promotion. I can say we’ll take it one game at a time, which you have to in this league, but when it comes down to it we all want the same thing and that’s promotion.”