AFTER the Football Association of Wales curtailed the season due to Covid-19 a glance at the situation in the Costcutter League showed a number of former big-hitters in the doldrums and needing a major change of fortune.

With the pandemic continuing and no indication as to when domestic football in Wales is likely to be back in the groove, local clubs are anxious to start training and arrange friendlies.

Last term proved disappointing for the likes of Dewi Stars, Bargod Rangers, Ffostrasol and Llandysul, all of whom will be keen to make big improvements.

Over the past few seasons in the Cardigan area, St Dogmaels and Town have dominated while Maesglas missed out on promotion and face another spell in the Second Division.

The Blues were pipped for the runners-up spot and promotion by league newcomers Crymych with New Quay going up as champions.

When it comes to ups and downs, Cardigan-based Maesglas know more than most, having folded and reformed twice since starting as a housing estate team in 1974.

Through the years the Blues have played home games at the former RAF camp near Aberporth and at their present home Maes Radley (formerly Dolwerdd) near Greenfield Row in Cardigan.

Having been reformed on the first occasion Maesglas won a first trophy when lifting the Easter Monday Costcutter League Cup at Aberaeron in 1982 and there followed a purple patch when dominating junior football in Mid Wales.

The club went out of existence for a second time before reforming and are presently in the Costcutter Division Two.

A stalwart for many years Paul ‘Hope’ Jones has been chiefly responsible for Maesglas continuing to compete with two teams and if and when the new season gets underway, Jones and Co will be looking to win promotion and start on the road back to glory.