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Aber Valley FC begin their season tonight away to Pencoed Athletic BGC as they look to go a step further and gain promotion into the third tier of Welsh football.

Aber, who play in the top division of the South Wales Alliance League, finished fifth last season in a “difficult spell” for the club, who were struggling with injuries, according to manager Dean Wood.

He spoke to Caerphilly Observer about his team’s preparations and expectations: “It’s been a disjointed off-season with a lot of our games called off due to bad weather.

“We’ve also lost a few players but brought in some that we’re excited about; they should improve us which is always the aim.”

Wood went on to talk about tonight’s opponents, who themselves had a strong end to last season: “I know their team well and they’re going to be a tough opening game on the road.

“They’ve got aspirations to win the league and we’ll have to be on it tonight. The plan will be to use our pace and get in behind them.”

But things aren’t as settled as the club would like, admitted Wood, with the dispute between the Taff, Ely and Rhymney Valley League (TERV), still rumbling on after they denied the club’s reserve side promotion last season.

“They’re still stuck where they are and to us it doesn’t make any sense. We’re in talks with other reserve sides across the area and we’re hoping to create an Alliance reserve league by next season.”

On his side’s expectations this season, Wood added: “It’s got to be those top two places. We think we’ll be there or there abouts in one of the most competitive seasons this league has seen in a while.

“There are only 12 teams in it so every game is going to count starting tonight. If you win your opening few you’re going to be tough to stop.”

Kick-off between Pencoed and Aber Valley is at 19:45 from the SDM Glass Stadium.