Having come so close to promotion last year, Briton Ferry certainly haven’t been feeling sorry for themselves this season.
For the second year in a row, they lifted the Genero Adran South trophy come the end of the season.
Manager Rhys James has now won the title in both seasons as manager and says the second time around is just as special as the first time.
“Both seasons that we have won the league have been special. Last season was my first season as manager, so of course that was special for me personally.
“But this year, we felt stronger as team on the pitch, felt much more resilient in games and always found a way to win. It was extremely special to go the season undefeated and just shows what this team is capable of. The main focus for the team is competing in the Adran Premier so the job is still not done yet.”
Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off
What’s been impressive about this iteration of the champions is that they have impressed at both ends of the field.
They scored 55 goals in twelve games and only conceded five, a combination that helped them to a 100% record this season.
“I have to give credit to the whole team this season. From back to front, we have been superb. Of course, it’s been particularly impressive to only concede 5 goals across the full season but even with that we were disappointed because we knew we were capable of better. Defensively we focused across the whole pitch this season, isn’t just Courtney Young and the defence, it starts from the top.
“The team know exactly what is expected of them out of possession and you can see that unlike last season we were winning games 5-1 or 6-2, it was 5-0 or 6-0 because we emphasised how important it is to be switched on for 90 minutes. Of course, the addition of Alison Witts has been great too because it’s taken pressure off some of the other players to score, knowing we have another player that can add to that too. Overall, we have felt more solid across the whole pitch this year.”
As expected, a lot of moments have stood out to James throughout the season, but two games in particular stand above the rest.
“For me straight away, it’s the first game of the season at home against Pontardawe. It was a chance to prove we were over what happened last season and we were only looking at what’s next. It was a real solid performance and a chance to ease new players into the team too.
“Another would be Cascade away in the league, they are always tough opposition, but we went there with a mindset of being champions and being that again. It was a fantastic performance on the day and helped us kick on for the rest of the campaign.”
Now, Ferry return to the Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off, this time facing Genero Adran North champions Llandudno.
Despite not meeting before, James is expecting a tough game against a team who themselves are looking to return to the topflight of Welsh football.
“I’m expecting a real close game against Llandudno. There’s a reason why they are champions, but there’s a reason why we are too. I know Llandudno’s squad is mixed with experience and youth and we are aware of where their danger lies. We just need to focus on us, and how we can get the best out of our team. If we can do that, then I’ll be confident in the team to get the job done.”
A return to Latham Park for James’ side will rekindle memories of last season’s heartbreak against Wrexham.
A year on, the manager is adamant his team are different from a mental standpoint and know exactly now what this game entails.
“We are familiar with the occasion now; we understand what’s on the line and how it affects you. We don’t want to feel like that again of course so we are just focusing on how we can have a different result this season. There’s always going to be elements of nerves, but we’ve got to focus on getting the job done and settle those.”
For many fans of the South Wales club, there’s an unwritten chapter in their story, and on Sunday, James is hoping they can write the final few lines of the book.
“It’s something that we have talked about since I have been with the club. We fully believe it’s an Adran Premier team but that doesn’t give us an instant right to be there. We’ve done everything we can correctly so far this season, the team have been incredible with the work they have put in, the staff have been so proud of them.
“But we know as a club and as a team, we want to get promoted so got to go there and get the job done Sunday. We’ve got to be prepared for a fight and be the ones that come out on top.”
The Genero Adran Leagues promotion play-off takes place between Briton Ferry Llansawel and Llandudno at Latham Park in Newtown on Sunday 21 April (KO 16:30).
Tickets for the final will be cash only on the gate, costing £3 for adults and £1 for concessions. The game will be available to watch live for free on RedWall+.
