It has long been a popular pastime among football fans to compare successful teams in different eras, with contrasting views on whether the beautiful game has reached heights which were not attained in years gone by.

With action brought to a halt by the Covid-19 crisis it is interesting to recall outstanding sides in the Costcutter League.

Going back to the 1950s Cardigan Town took some beating in this neck of the woods and there are those who can recall a game against a touring London Welsh on a roped off pitch at Cardigan Secondary School when around 1,500 spectators witnessed a thrilling encounter ending in a draw.

Through the years clubs such as Newcastle Emlyn, St Dogmaels, Llandysul and Bargod Rangers have dominated at various stages, and also Ffostrasol of season 1974-75 that lifted the J Emrys Morgan Cup, League Championship, League Cup and Bay Cup.

At that time Wanderers could call on highly-rated players including the three Davies brothers John, Fred and Arthur.

Cardigan-based Maesglas may be languishing in Division Two, but in the 1980s the Blues were the best around with a strong squad and a number of skilful individuals.

Led by goalkeeper Jonathan Llewellyn, who had spells at higher levels, they had brilliant players like Nigel Nicholas who joined Aberystwyth Town and played more than 300 games for the Seasiders and prolific marksman John Bryson

The Blues did the Easter double of the J Emrys Morgan Cup and Costcutter League Cup in successive seasons and that is still a record after more than 30 years.

Three decades later in season 2014-15 came a Cardigan Town team that many neutrals consider to have been the best all-round side in the long history of the league.

In plundering five trophies – J Emrys Morgan Cup, League Championship, Easter Monday League Cup, Bay Cup and Cwpan Coffa Dai Dynamo Davies, the Magpies’ record was mighty impressive.

And they also reached the last eight of the Central Wales Cup before losing narrowly at Mid Wales League outfit Llanidloes with a weakened side due to injuries.

Town had the services of gifted ex-Haverfordwest County front-runner Kevin Morgan who formed a potent partnership with John Lumb, were solid at the back where skipper Steve Blackford stood out while in midfield Tom Jones, James Evans, Dylan Davies and Ben Davies impressed.

Given that standards have improved significantly over time with players possession superior skills and fitness levels, and with also tactics playing an important role the Town team was a bit special.

Former manager Seamus Doherty said: “I played for many years and saw a lot of the better teams but that Cardigan side would have beaten them all – no problem.”

One thing is certain and that is there are many who would take issue with the view.