Will anyone challenge Hakin's crown? (From Western Telegraph)

Will anyone challenge Hakin's crown?

The new football season has already got under way with a couple of midweek games being played before the night's draw in. Looking at those fixtures the most interesting one that springs up is the game between Herbrandston and St Ishmaels.

The two played each other in the senior cup last year with 'Tish coming out on top but it could be different this campaign as a couple of 'Tish players have decided to join their close rivals.

Anthony Roberts and Martin Mathias are the two players who have signed on the dotted line for Herbie and considering these two played a part in 'Tish's successful season back in the top flight last year, their move seems bewildering. They are not the only ones who have left the club, as Nick Jones has signed for Hakin.

Losing three players of this calibre will be a blow to them, but they have enough strength in depth to hold their own again in the First Division, especially if Adam Davies can keep slotting in the goals again.

Herbie, meanwhile will be a tough nut to crack, especially on their home patch as they won the Second Division with ease last year, but they will find the First Division a different kettle of fish altogether.

Hakin are once again favourites to win the division, and many pundits believe they will go through the league unbeaten once again. Their record is truly remarkable and it's one that they will want to keep. The never tire of winning, it's a must for them and their management, which will once again be led by Chris Tansey.

Burly full back Adam Collins returns from his stint of playing rugby and he will make a welcome addition to the back four. Starting the season in goal will be Martin Langdon, the talented 'keeper from Milford United. Jason Morgan is expected to resume training soon, but Langdon will be keen to impress.

The closest team in terms of league potential has to be Goodwick United and their squad is virtually the same as last year's with Sean O'Connor once agin at the helm. They kick-off the new season with a game against new boys Solva, who will be an unknown quantity in this division. Goodwick will expect to win the game quite comfortably, but Solva have a number of talented, young players so they can't underestimate the small village side.

Phil Jones has decided to step down as manager of Saundersfoot Sports which is a pity for them as he rallied his troops well towards the end of last season when relegation looked a possibility.

Star man for them will be Simon Brace who will marshal the defence while Jason Bridges is once again expected to knock in the goals. Throw in the young talent of Jason Llama and Daniel Caine and they will certainly be a team to be reckoned with.

They start their season with a derby game against Tenby, a team brimming full of talent which will once again challenge the big guns with their brand of open attractive football. Another side which will be good to watch this year will be Pennar Robins. They had mixed fortunes last year, with some superb results in the middle of some very average ones and will be hoping for more consistency this campaign.

A team which is a model of consistency is Narberth, but there has been one big change at the club during the summer break and it will be interesting to see how they get on without Ralph Phillips in charge. Barry Walters takes over the reigns from Phillips and he has to start the season without Grant James, the talented former Swansea City apprentice, who has decided to rejoin Kilgetty. However, they still have enough talent in the squad to cause a few problems and should be a safe bet for another mid-table place. Darryl John takes over the captaincy from Paul Bullock at Carew and he is utilising his teaching skills well in training sessions alongside manager Gerald Hicks. Capable of playing superbly one week and indifferently the next, Hicks will be hoping for more consistency from his team this year and a mid table place beckons for them.

Another side which can perform to high standards one week and a moderate one the next, is Monkton. Benno Jones' team started the season well last year and ran Hakin close in the cup, but fell away towards the end of the season. He will be demanding more from his squad of talented youngsters for this campaign and they could be a team which springs a surprise or two.

The management team at Prendergast Villa has stepped down from last season, and 'keeper Dai Smith is rumoured to have taken over the reigns. They will be weakened this season with the loss of Carl Mason and Simon Gilderdale, who have decided to return to Merlins Bridge, who will be managed by Steve Thomas. Thomas has a talented squad at his disposal and these two players will bolster their strength in depth. The Bridge have steadily been improving over recent seasons as their young squad gains in experience and a top half spot in the league is a distinct possibility.

Finally, Camrose will be pleased that Marcus Taylor has decided to rejoin the club following his stint with Haverfordwest County. The ace striker will bring added steel to their front line especially with youngsters like John Venables and Richard James up front. They fell away a bit last year after a good season the year before, but they are always a tough nut to crack at home and could be a surprise package this campaign.