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Despite sitting top of the Ardal South East at the halfway stage, Treowen Stars’ manager has warned it means nothing in such a competitive league.

Ben Murphy took over from long-time manger Dean Randall in the summer, and told Caerphilly Observer how he had his eyes set on promotion from the start.

He said: “I knew the committee very well, and Dean had done a great job at stabilising the club over the past seven years.

“We have 450 players across all age groups, so straight away I knew the goal was to get up into the Cymru South and keep developing as a club.”

The Stars have made good progress towards that goal after 16 league games, losing just two and finding themselves two points clear at the top with two games in hand.

“We lost our first game of the season then went on a great run. I think we were top in mid August and have been there ever since.

“It’s just the start though, and we’re all fully aware that it’s a competitive division with lots of tough games ahead of us.”

Murphy admitted how postponements and the Christmas break has slowed their momentum down a bit, but they’re still finding ways to win games.

He continued: “We have to focus on each game and take things one step at a time. There are still sides like Goytre for example who have lots of games in hand.”

As well as the league, Treowen find themselves in the last 16 of the FAW Amateur Trophy, something which Murphy sees as a “welcome distraction”.

He added: “The cup wasn’t our top priority but when you find yourself at this stage in a national competition I think it could act as a welcome distraction from league games.

“I look at what Mark Dunford did with Trethomas Bluebirds, winning several cup competitions – and it only helped them get to where they are now.

“We have a big squad and it’ll be a good chance to test players and build morale around the club.”

The Stars travel to Cwmaman later in the month for that last 16 match.